Tension in Old City; 17 CPI(M) workers injured

Hyderabad, Sept 3 (UNI) Tension prevailed in the old city of the capital as 17 workers of the CPI(M) were today injured as AIMIM workers reportedly pelted stones on them on the third day of the six-day 'Padayatra' of the party MP Madhu, to understand and provide relief to the residents of the poverty-stricken and economically backward area dominated by Muslims.

Both the MP and the state president of the party B V Raghavulu, who have been touring the area intensively addressed a press conference this morning where they blamed the ruling Congress and the AIMIM for the backwardness of the area. There were altercations during the march between the workers of the CPI(M) and the AIMIM but police intervened and pacified both the groups.

While Raghavulu attended to other work of the party, Madhu continued his 'Padayatra' with party workers and folk artistes from the Falaknuma area in the afternoon. After darkness fell, suddenly a rain of stones fell on the procession, injuring 17 CPI(M). Party sources alleged that MP Madhu was directly targetted.

As the procession moved on, party sources said that about 15 AIMIM workers, armed with stones, dashed forward and flung the stones directly at Madhu. Party workers immediately formed a ring around their leader and prevented him from getting hurt and in the process, got injured themselves. As Osman, one of the CPI(M) workers was seriously injured, he was rushed to the nearby corporate hospital.

Unfazed by the attack, Madhu announced that his party would not fear the party (AIMIM) that had exploited religious sentiments and left the poor Muslims in poverty. He continued with his 'Padayatra'.

As tension mounted up, police mobilised a large posse and a determined Madhu continued with his march with police escort.

Several shop keepers downed their shutters as tension prevailed in the area.

CPI(M) has been trying to break the strangle hold of the AIMIM in the old city with continuous interaction with the people and intensified party activities. Party workers have been making their presence felt all over the area.

Party leaders said that the fear that they would loose their grip on the old city, the AIMIM leaders had incited their workers to resort to this undemocratic attack.

Police had however said that there were minor incidents in the old city and situation was quickly brought under control.

UNI