Independence Day celebrated in AP amid security

Hyderabad, August 15 : The 67th Independence Day was celebrated across Andhra Pradesh amid unprecedented security.

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy unfurled the national flag at the main ceremony at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad here. He also received the guard of honour from the State Police. The state ministers hoisted the tricolour at ceremonies in different district headquarters.

Assembly speaker Nandendla Manohar, Legislative Council Chairman Dr A Chakrapani and Director General of Police V Dinesh Reddy unfurled the national flag at the ceremonies held in their premises.

Pradesh Congress Committee president Botsa Satyanarayana hoisted the national flag at party’s headquarters Gandhi Bhavan. Responding to the shouting of “Jai Telangana” slogans during the ceremony, in his speech, he appealed to people to exercise restraint on the sensitive issue of the division of the State.

Telugu Desam Party Leader of opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu unfurled the tricolor at NTR Trust Bhavan. Several TDP leaders and workers took part in the function. Independence Day celebrations were also held at the party headquarters of YSR Congress party, Telangana Rashtra Samithi, Bharatiya Janata Party, Lok Satta and Left parties.

However, the celebrations were marred by protests at some places in Seemandhra region. Although the Seemandhra employees, who are on indefinite strike, took part in the independence celebrations, a few of them tried to hold protest during the official functions.

YSR Congress MLA Gurunath Reddy tried to disrupt the speech of Revenue Minister Dr N Raghuveera Reddy during the official celebrations in Anantapur.

Elaborate security arrangements were made, especially in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema region for the official functions fearing protest by Samaikhyandhra activists. INN