Hyderabad Police Commissioner Mr AK Khan said today Section 144 has been imposed in the city and will be in force till 6 am on September 22.

Mr. Khan told media persons that the step has been taken to protect peace and tranquility in the city in the wake of agitations, rallies and processions being conducted by the T elements. “We have also banned meetings, dharnas and public meetings till further orders,” he said.

The decision of the Police Commissioner to impose section 144 in the city has been opposed by the T elements who described it as oppressive. “The government is trying to suppress the Telangana agitation with police force but we will not be cowed down by such tactics,” said a senior leader of the political JAC.

“Conducting rallies, processions and meetings is our right and it is part of the agitation,” said another leader.