Statewide protests erupt over murder of dalit activist Manda Salman

Tadepalli, Jan 17: YSR Congress Party cadres staged statewide protests at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar statues across all district headquarters condemning the brutal murder of Dalit YSRCP activist Manda Salman of Pinnelli village in Gurazala constituency, following a call given by party president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Party leaders and SC Cell representatives held dharnas in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Eluru, Krishna, NTR, Guntur, Palnadu (Narasaraopet), Kurnool, Tirupati (combined Chittoor), YSR Kadapa, and Anantapur districts, stating that constitutional governance has collapsed in Andhra Pradesh and that political killings and attacks on YSRCP workers have become routine. Leaders said Salman’s murder is a direct consequence of the prevailing “Red Book rule,” the police collusion, and demanded immediate arrests, suspension of responsible officers, and strict action under the SC/ST Atrocities Act. Several speakers stated that hundreds of Dalit families have been driven out of Pinnelli village, that even Salman’s last rites were initially obstructed, and that law and order has deteriorated gravely after the elections. Protesters demanded exemplary punishment for the accused, substantial compensation and rehabilitation for Salman’s family, including ex-gratia and land, and warned of intensified agitation at state and national levels if justice is denied. YSRCP leaders asserted that the party stands firmly with Salman’s family and will continue statewide and national protests until those responsible are held fully accountable.