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Protests Intensify in Hyderabad

In Hyderabad, protests have erupted against the Marwadi trading community, which has established itself in various regions of Telangana. The situation escalated on Friday when the Osmania University Joint Action Committee (OU JAC) called for a state-wide bandh to rally support for their demands.

The chairman of OU JAC, K Tirupati, was detained on Friday, prompting calls for his release from both students and faculty members at the university.

Students demanded the immediate release of Tirupati and others who were arrested overnight, attempting to enforce the bandh they had declared for the day.

Authorities stated that these arrests were precautionary measures aimed at maintaining public order.

Background of the Protests

The protests were sparked by a minor incident involving parking at a local vegetable market in central Hyderabad, which escalated into an anti-Marwadi movement after social media amplified the narrative. This incident, where a local was reportedly assaulted by a Marwadi shopkeeper, occurred three weeks prior but gained traction recently. On Friday, activists from the OU JAC and the Adivasi Student Union protested near a Marwadi-owned shop, chanting slogans and holding placards that read 'Go Back Marwadi'.

The Marwadi community, originally from Gujarat and Rajasthan, has been part of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for generations and is known for their fluency in Telugu.

Community Response and Appeals

In several locations, protesters organized bike rallies, chanting 'Marwadi Hatao, Telangana Bachao'. In response, the Marwadi community reached out to the state governor, seeking protection from potential violence. Community leader Mahesh Agarwal highlighted the anti-Marwadi sentiments as a serious threat to the social fabric and economic stability of Telangana.

In a letter to the governor, Agarwal emphasized that the Marwadi community has been integral to Telangana's history and culture long before the state's formation. He stated, 'They are not outsiders; they are our neighbors, friends, business partners, and fellow Telanganites.' He criticized the movement as being rooted in prejudice and misinformation.

Agarwal concluded his appeal by urging the governor to uphold the state's pluralistic values, asserting that the voices of a small minority should not overshadow the harmony that characterizes Telangana.

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