The Telangana Liberation Student Organization (T.L.S.O) was formed in response to grievances among local Telangana students over seat allocation in colleges. According to the Six Point Formula, 80% of college seats were reserved for locals, with the remaining 20% open to both local and non-local students through open competition. However, Telangana students found that these open competition seats were predominantly awarded to Seemandhra students, despite the eligibility of Telangana students.
- Initiation of Student Agitation: In 1992, dissatisfied with the ongoing seat allocation practices, local Telangana students, under the leadership of Manohar Reddy, demanded that seats in open competition also be allocated to local candidates. This demand marked the beginning of the student agitation as a non-political movement.
- Strengthening of the Movement: To intensify their efforts and solidify their cause, the T.L.S.O was officially established under the guidance of Manohar Reddy, Krishna Mohan, Jagan Reddy, and other student leaders. The organization became a hub for various forms of protest, including rallies, dharnas (protests), conferences, group meetings, and strikes, primarily centered around the Osmania University campus.
- Major Events and Outcomes: On November 1, 1992, the T.L.S.O organized protest meetings and rallies against the AP Formation Day. Additionally, a significant two-day Telangana Saddassu (group meeting) saw participation from national leaders like Surendar Mohan and George Fernandez, who expressed their support for the Telangana student movement.
- During the same period, a controversial decision was made to send 71 Seemandhra lecturers to the Telangana region on deputation, which further fueled the agitation. The T.L.S.O opposed the government order (GO) regarding these deputations and escalated their protests. The intensity of these protests peaked when Manohar Reddy began an indefinite hunger strike at Osmania University, exerting considerable pressure on the government. In response, the Vijay Bhaskar Reddy government rescinded the GO after three days of the hunger strike.
- Broader Impact: While initially focused on student-related issues, the T.L.S.O progressively highlighted broader injustices and challenges facing the Telangana region, thereby becoming a significant voice in the larger movement for Telangana’s rights and recognition.