JAC calls on Telangana people to refrain from paying taxes

Hyderabad, Feb 11: The Telangana political Joint Action Committee (JAC) today asked people in the region to boycott Census, refrain from paying taxes and observe a shutdown among other protests as part of the non-cooperation agitation from Feb 17 in support of its demand for early introduction of bill for formation of separate Telangana.

In the run-up to Feb 17, the JAC would announce the details of the non-cooperation agitation in the villages on Feb 13 and hold rallies on Feb 14, JAC Convener M Kodandaram told reporters here today.

A ''jail bharo'' programme would be undertaken on Feb 15 by JAC that comprises TRS, BJP and various pro-Telangana organisations.

Seeking to mount pressure on ruling Congress and main Opposition TDP MLAs, the JAC decided to hold protests outside their homes on Feb 16.

"The MLAs should put pressure on the government towards taking favourable decision on Telangana demand. That is the idea of holding dharna outside the houses of Congress and TDP MLAs," he said.

The JAC had earlier asked the Congress and TDP MLAs to join the non-cooperation agitation failing which they will also face non-cooperation.

The non-cooperation would start from Feb 17 and people should not buy tickets in public transport buses and should not pay taxes and bills for electricity, toll tax on highways, house tax among others, Kodandaram appealed.

PTI