Hyderabad, Sep 29 (IANS): The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad in Andhra Pradesh Thursday went without newspapers as hawkers joined the ongoing general strike for a separate Telangana state.

No newspapers could reach the readers as the hawkers stayed away from distribution of papers. English, Telugu, Urdu and Hindi newspapers were missing from bookshops and newspaper stands across the state capital.

Tension prevailed at Secunderabad Clock Tower as police stopped newspaper hawkers from taking out a bike rally to Telangana martyrs' memorial near the state assembly building.

Police also arrested Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) convenor M. Kodandaram who reached Secunderabad Clock Tower to express solidarity with the hawkers.

Police also took into custody some protestors who tried to resist their leader's arrest. "This is unjust. You are creating unnecessary problems. Allow me to address them and we will disperse," Kodandaram told police officers.

However, police officers said prohibitory orders were in force. They forcibly shifted Kodandaram to a police vehicle and took him to Bowenpally police station. A large number of Telangana supporters rushed to the station and demanded his release.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao condemned the JAC chief's arrest and demanded his immediate release. Rao warned the government against provoking Telangana people and said it would be responsible for any consequences.