The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : YSR optimistic on peace talks

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jan 29, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

YSR optimistic on peace talks

CUDDAPAH, JAN. 28. The Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, expressed optimism on Friday that a congenial atmosphere would be restored in the State for continuation of talks with the CPI (Maoist).

The Government believed in the democratic process of negotiations to resolve problems, Dr. Reddy said at a press conference here. Terming the landmine attack on a bus carrying policemen in Guntur district "unfortunate," he said certain acts vitiated the atmosphere. The Government was trying to sort out the naxal issue, he said.

No `removal' of names

Referring to the Telugu Desam MLA, Paritala Ravi's murder case, he refuted reports that names of the Panchayat Raj Minister, J.C. Diwakar Reddy, and the IGP of Rayalaseema Zone, R.P. Meena, were removed from the FIR. The Chief Minister said the case was being transferred to the CBI and that the Chief Secretary would issue a notification in this regard.

The CBI enquiry could exclude some names or include more accused depending on incriminating evidence available during investigation, Dr. Reddy stated. Mr. Meena intervened to state that an FIR, once lodged, could not be changed as it would be sent to court and a copy given to the complainant. Evading a direct reply to queries if his name was included in the FIR, the IGP advised mediamen to go through the FIR.

Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy also decried reports of Government lapses on the cremation of former Prime Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao. He advised media to ascertain facts and expose any lapses, but not `sensationalise' incidents. The Fourth Estate had equal social responsibility like the other three, he said.

Free power supply

The Government was committed to free power supply and would implement a new power policy from April, the Chief Minister asserted. Minor changes were being made to avert collapse of power system and it would benefit 90 per cent of small and marginal farmers.

Only 10 per cent of consumers, comprising IT payers and corporate farmers owning over three pumpsets, would not get free power, he said. The TDP and BJP were espousing their cause, he alleged. Thirty five thousand such farmers and two lakh big farmers would not be the beneficiaries, he said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh