Hyderabad University Students Begin Indefinite Protest Over Land Dispute

The University of Hyderabad Students’ Union (UoHSU) has launched an indefinite protest and class boycott starting Tuesday, demanding the removal of police and construction equipment from campus amid a dispute over 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli. UoHSU Vice President Akash called for students and faculty to join the demonstration, accusing the administration of enabling state land-clearing efforts and condemning a police crackdown on peaceful protesters. The students seek a written assurance that the land will be registered under the university, along with transparency in related documentation.

The Telangana government, claiming ownership of the land, plans IT infrastructure development, escalating tensions as the university’s Registrar asserts the land’s boundaries were finalized in its favor. The government alleges political and real estate interests are misleading students, while the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) insists court rulings support its claim. A BJP delegation led by Alleti Maheshwar Reddy plans to visit the site Tuesday, though police have restricted Reddy and other party leaders from leaving their residences without explanation.

Protests intensified Sunday with over 50 detentions after students confronted police and earthmovers; two were arrested for allegedly attacking workers. The state cites a July 2024 survey with university officials to affirm boundaries, a claim UoH denies, stating only a topographic inspection occurred. As student and environmental opposition grows over ecological concerns, the clash between the university and government persists, with both sides citing conflicting records from 2004 and 2006.