By Michael E. Sanchez
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia 

NEW DELHI, India- A protest fast by K Chandrasekara Rao, the leader of a regional party in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh has entered its 10th day.  Mr. Rao of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) is demanding separate state status for the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh.

The Telangana region is an area surrounding Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, which is comprised largely of people who speak the Telugu language.  The demand for a separate Telangana state dates back over 50 years, and Mr. Rao’s TRS party has been spearheading the agitation since 2001.  The separatists believe that economic development in their region has been neglected in favor of the richer Andhra region.

Mr. Rao began his “indefinite fast” on 29 November at his hometown in the Medrak district, 62 miles from the capital.  He said, “Either a victory procession will come out or my funeral procession will come out.  The decision will have to be taken by the government”.  Fearing a loss of law and order, the police arrested him and sent him to a prison in Khammam district.  However, as his health worsened, he was moved to a hospital in Hyderabad.  Doctors state that Mr. Rao has refused food, and have resorted to giving him saline water and medicine.  They have also suggested he should break his fast to improve his overall health and avoid complications.

Over the last 10 days TRS workers have attacked public transport, government offices and private property in the capital city and nine other districts of the region.  In addition, students from two universities have also launched a movement for a Telangana state.  In response, the state has shut down schools and universities in the state for a fortnight to try to prevent students from protesting. In 1969, the demand for a Telangana state led to widespread violence where over 400 students lost their lives.

According to the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, all people have the right of self determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, and social and cultural development.

Various groups supporting the cause for a separate Telengana have called for a march to the state legislature building on Thursday.  The administration fears the rally or a sharp decline in Mr. Rao’s health could lead to street violence.

For more information, please see:

BBC News- Indian Politician on Hunger Strike – 8 December 2009

Earth Times- Indian Politician on Hunger Strike Over Separate State Demand– 8 December 2009

Breaking News 24/7- Telangana Issue, Telangana Movement Updates– 8 December 2009

United Nations- International Covenant On Civil and Political Rights