Demand to take back UAPA cases

 Hyderabad: Demanding that the state government consider withdrawing cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against social activists, nearly 36 people’s associations organised a protest rally at Sundaraiah Vignana Kendra, in Hyderabad on Saturday.

The Mulugu police had registered cases under the UAPA against social activists last year for alleged ties with Maoists. Later, the state government had directed the DGP to withdraw cases against six, including Prof. Hara Gopal. At the directive of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, the police had withdrawn the cases. However, cases against 135 others are yet to be withdrawn.

The associations, backed by folk singer Vimalakka, gathered in the city and demanded the withdrawal of cases. Later, members of the association convened a meeting and passed a resolution demanding the state government to cancel the UAPA in Telangana state, alleging that the government was misusing the Act by registering false cases.