Hyderabad: Tensions rose at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) on Wednesday as police used lathi-charges (baton charges) against students and teachers protesting the government’s plan to auction 400 acres of land in Gachibowli. Some students were injured during the incident.
The protest began when the University of Hyderabad Teachers Association organized a rally. They marched from Ambedkar Auditorium to the university’s east campus to support the students. Police had already blocked the area with barricades, where excavators were clearing the forested land.
As protesters tried to cross the barricades, a clash broke out between them and the police. Students shouted slogans like “Police go back,” “Awaaz Do Hum Ek Hain” (Raise your voice, we are united), and “Ladenge Jeetenge” (We will fight and win). Around 20 students were reportedly injured during the confrontation.
Later, students and teachers gave a written statement to university officials. They asked the university to take action to stop the land auction and to register the land under the university’s name. They also demanded protection of the land and the wildlife living there.
In the meantime, the UoH Students Union called for an indefinite strike starting Tuesday. They continued their protest at the administration building. The students are strongly opposing the land clearing, saying it will harm the environment and destroy local biodiversity.
