Uoh Protest / Big uproar in Hyderabad University, students protest against CM Reddy

Uoh Protest: Students of the University of Hyderabad (UOH) on Saturday, March 29 staged a massive protest against the government's decision to auction 400 acres of land at HCU Gachibowli. The protest was held near the main gate between 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm, with around 30-40 students holding placards protesting the government's decision. During the protest, the students raised slogans and demanded the government to withdraw the decision.

Police intervention and peace restored

Attempts were made by the Gachibowli police to disperse the protesters. However, Gachibowli Police Inspector Mohammed Habubullah Khan clarified that no student was detained and no case was registered. According to the police, the protest remained peaceful, but the student leaders made it clear that they will continue their agitation until the state government cancels the auction plan and officially registers the land in the name of the university.

CM Revanth Reddy's effigy burning incident

The students had planned to burn the effigy of CM Revanth Reddy, who had recently referred to the protesters as "jackals", to further intensify their protest. However, the police tried to prevent it. Despite this, the protesters succeeded in burning the effigy. The UoH Students' Union alleges that the police misbehaved with the students during this time, due to which some students were injured. The students' union issued a statement saying that the Telangana government is using "brutal force" to suppress the voice of students, teachers and environmentalists and portraying them as "devils".

Chief Minister's remarks and government stance

Speaking in the Assembly on March 26, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy dismissed the concerns of the students and environmentalists. He said, "There are no deers, no tigers here, but only 'cunning jackals' who want to hinder the development of the state." The statement came after state IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu said that the state government will protect the lakes and rocks of the university and will not take over the land.

Why are students protesting?

The students are protesting against the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation's (TGIIC) plan to develop and auction 400 acres of land in Gachibowli. The land came under the state government's control recently after a long legal battle. Since the area falls under Hyderabad's IT corridor and financial district, it is considered a prime real estate asset.

Students, local residents and environmental activists are united against the auction. They are claiming that the land is an important carbon sink, where various plant, bird and rare animal species reside. The industrial development could cause serious damage to the biodiversity of the region.

Key demands of students

The students' protest continues despite the government's assurance that the university's land will be protected. They are raising doubts over the intentions of the government and citing several instances where university land has been acquired for other purposes.

• The student organisations are demanding the following:
• The land auction process should be stopped immediately.
• An independent review committee should be set up to examine the ecological and biodiversity significance of this land.
• The University of Hyderabad should be legally granted ownership of this land.