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VIJAYAWADA: Hundreds of Telugu students, who went to Bengaluru and Hubbali to write IBPS and RRB examinations, were attacked by activists of Kannada organisations on Saturday . They alleged that the Telugu students were walking away with jobs meant for Kannada youths. The activists prevented Telugu students from taking the exam and tore their hall-tickets.

The Karnataka organisations further warned that they would prevent the Andhra students from writing other examinations in their state.

Around 1,000 Telugu students had gone to Hubbali to write the Institution of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) clerk examination. Members of Kannada communities protested at the railway station in Hubbali, opposing the entry ot the students. This enraged the Telugu students, who held a counter-protest. The test was later cancelled.

The simmering regional divide was later brought to the notice of CM Chandrababu Naidu during a TDP coordination committee meeting held here on Saturday . The chief minister asked the state officials to ensure safety of all Telugu students till the exams are completed on Sunday and Monday . He asked the senior government officials to talk to the Union home ministry officials and demand security for the Telugu students.

Deputy CM and home minister Chinnarajappa condemned the attacks and said steps will be taken to ensure the safety of Telugu students.He said the state government will urge the Centre to hold such central-level exams at Vizag and Vijayawada.

Special chief secretary Satish Chandra talked to his neighbouring state CS over phone and apprised him of the concerns of the state.

Agriculture minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy reacted sharply and said 60% of Karnataka's population comprises Telugus and that such an attack was uncalled for.

