'Andhra govt will deal with violent agitators firmly'

Amid ongoing agitation in support of a unified Andhra Pradesh, the state government today asserted it would not remain a mute spectator to any act of violence and deal with perpetrators with a firm hand.

Talking to reporters along with State revenue minister D Prasada Rao in the secretariat today, home minister P Sabita Indra Reddy warned protesters against disrupting normal life and causing damage to public and private properties in the ongoing protests in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions.

"Please carry out your protests in a peaceful and restrained manner, and do not cause any destruction to properties," she appealed and assured people that they need not be alarmed as the government would ensure full security.

Sabita also appealed to students not to boycott classes and take to streets as it would spoil their career.

Replying to a question, the home minister said they have not yet withdrawn criminal cases against leaders, students and those associated with the separate Telangana agitation recently.

"We have not yet received any official request from the Centre asking for withdrawal of cases. I too have heard about Union home minister P Chidambaram's statement on this issue," the minister said.