TRS threatens to block highway to demand aid for weavers

Hyderabad, Feb 3 (PTI) TRS today threatened to blockthe busy Vijayawada-Hyderabad National Highway on February 9if the Andhra Pradesh Government failed to release Rs 312crore for the welfare of weavers.

The highway would be blocked for about 140 kms fromKothagudem in Ranga Reddy district here to Kodada in Nalgondadistrict, TRS Politburo member Jagadishwar Reddy toldreporters here.

Over two lakh people would take part in the protestand the vehicles coming from Vijayawada in coastal Andhra willhave to take an alternative route, he said.

"We will not allow even ants to move. We want tohighlight the plight of weavers."

The protesters would allow only ambulances, fireengines and such other emergency service vehicles, Reddy said.

If the Congress Government did not accept the demandfor providing a Rs 300-crore package to the distressedweavers, TRS would observe a Telangana bandh on February 10,Reddy added.