Police say they have arrested about 50 people, including some lawmakers, during protests demanding the creation of a new state in southern India. Senior police official A.K. Khan says two state lawmakers and a member of Parliament were among those arrested during the demonstration in Hyderabad, capital of Andhra Pradesh state. The protesters are demanding a new state called Telengana be carved out of Andhra Pradesh.
Shops and offices were shut and public transport was halted for a second day Wednesday as supporters of the proposal pressed the government to agree to their demand. The federal government says more consultations are needed before a new state is formed.