Tension prevailed in Marikavalasa in Visakhapatnam district as protests intensified against the proposed relocation of the Marikavalasa Tribal Welfare Boys English Medium School. The situation became tense after police stopped YSRCP leaders and party workers who had gathered to extend their support to the parents of tribal students opposing the school’s relocation.
YSRCP leaders strongly objected to the police action, particularly the manner in which former Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and tribal woman leader Pushpasreevani was allegedly stopped from joining the protest.
Pushpasreevani Objects to Police Behaviour
Former Deputy Chief Minister Pushpasreevani reached Marikavalasa to express solidarity with the parents of tribal students protesting against the proposed relocation of the school.
She strongly objected to what she described as the rude behaviour of the police towards her. A video purportedly showing the police allegedly behaving harshly with her has gone viral on social media.
Pushpasreevani questioned why tribal women were being treated in such a manner. She asked whether peacefully fighting for the rights of tribal students had also become an offence.
She further questioned who had given the government the right to stop tribal people from protesting for their legitimate rights.
Heavy Police Deployment in Marikavalasa
The entire area surrounding the tribal hostel in Marikavalasa was placed under heavy police security. Police personnel were deployed at various entry points leading to the hostel, while barricades were erected to restrict the movement of vehicles.
YSRCP leaders alleged that people arriving to extend solidarity with the tribal community were being stopped by the police. Several party leaders and workers were reportedly detained at different locations as tensions continued to rise.
Criticism Over Incident at Tribal Hostel
Meanwhile, criticism has also emerged over the alleged conduct of officials and hostel staff at the Marikavalasa tribal hostel on Tuesday night.
According to the protesting parents, tribal people were peacefully sitting in front of the hostel gate when hostel staff allegedly poured water on the area, preventing them from sitting there.
The tribal protesters expressed anger over the incident and said it was unacceptable to treat them in such a manner. They stated that they would not leave the hostel premises despite facing difficulties.
The protesters made it clear that their agitation would continue until the problems faced by tribal students were resolved.
Political Support Intensifies the Protest
The situation in Marikavalasa has become more tense after political parties extended their support to the protest by the parents of tribal students.
While a heavy police presence has been deployed to prevent protesters and political leaders from gathering, the tribal community has maintained that it will not back down from its fight for its rights.
The protesters have reiterated that their agitation is aimed at protecting the educational interests of tribal students and opposing the relocation of the Tribal Welfare Boys English Medium School.
Questions Over Police Handling of Protest
The manner in which the police allegedly prevented people from participating in a peaceful protest, along with the reported treatment of women leaders, has drawn criticism.
The controversy surrounding the proposed relocation of the Marikavalasa Tribal Welfare Boys English Medium School continues to intensify, with parents of tribal students vowing to continue their protest until their concerns are addressed.
With the tribal community refusing to withdraw its agitation and political parties backing the protesters, tensions in Marikavalasa remain high.
