Dec. 14 – Tensions remained high in the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and in the capital city of Hyderabad, as the government’s announcement on initiating the process for division of the state was met with violence and uncertainty.

The Hindu reports that students of Sri Krishnadevaraya University went on the rampage in Anantapur town, setting ablaze a BSNL optic fiber cable warehouse next to the campus and attacking a Reliance mobile phone tower.

The protest was a reaction to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s announcement that the government decision to make a separate Telangana state did not mean it would create other smaller states. Protestors in Nellore district also barred the gates of the Kandaleru reservoir from where water is supplied to Chennai.

Moreover, Chennai-bound trains are being blocked by the Andhra Intellectual Foru. Chief Minister K. Rosaiah is submitting a report to the government on the situation in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema.

“I am sure they will give me proper advice on how to restore normality in the State after going through the report,” Rosaiah told The Hindu.