Kapus call off stir for OBC quota, threaten to intensify agitation if demands not met

Kapu leaders have called off their protest for reservation under Backward Class category following Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's assurance to them late on Sunday.

Visakhapatnam: Kapu leaders have called off their protest for reservation under Backward Class category, which triggered a large-scale violence in Tuni town in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, following Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's assurance to them late on Sunday.

''My govt is committed to providing reservation for Kapu community for which a Judicial Commission was also constituted,'' Naidu told reporters.

Reacting to reports of violence in some parts of the state, the Chief Minister also said, ''I am reviewing the situation with the officials, criminals would be punished.''

The vehicular traffic between Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada is expected to resume soon.

M Padmanabham, a key leader of the community, late night announced that he is withdrawing the blockade.

Padmanabham, a former minister, asked the government to issue orders by Monday for including Kapus in the backward classes list so that they can get the benefit of reservation in education and employment.

He warned that if the government failed to respond by Monday evening, he would launch fast-unto-death.

The development comes a day after violent protests rocked the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. At least 15 policemen were injured on Sunday when members of Kapu community went on rampage, setting four coaches of Ratnachal Express on fire at Tuni station and blocked the National Highway-16 in East Godavari district.

The protest forced the authorities to stop all trains running between Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada stations, causing a huge inconvenience to passengers. Road traffic on National Highway 16 was also disrupted due to the protests.

The agitators also damaged police vehicles in the area and set ablaze at least two of them. State Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) RP Thakur said, "They have set on fire four bogies of the train, besides damaging some police vehicles and torching two. Our people are trying to control the situation. Additional forces have been rushed to the spot."

According to a senior police officer from East Godavari district, the situation is now under control and peaceful and additional forces have been deployed to maintain law and order.