The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Peace talks still possible, says Keshava Rao

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 28, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Peace talks still possible, says Keshava Rao

By Our Staff Reporter

GUNTUR, MARCH 27. Another round of talks for peace between the Government and the Communist Party of India (Maoist) is still possible, according to the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president, K. Keshava Rao. Rejecting the theory that the Congress Government was not creating proper atmosphere for the peace talks, Dr. Keshava Rao said at `meet-the-Press' organised by the Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists here on Sunday that since the situation was not normal there was need for talks between the two sides.

"Gadar, Varavara Rao and Kalyana Rao are not mediators. They are representatives of the Maoists," he said and opined that no case should be foisted against them without any prima facie evidence.

GO 610

On the implementation of the GO 610, he said: "The spirit of the G.O. is more important and it should aim at protecting the rights of Telangana people. Those from coastal areas working there for more than 25 years should not be displaced considering the whole issue in a humanitarian angle."

Creation of Telangana State was possible only through Second States Re-organisation Committee after consensus among all people, he said.

"For creation of the State, constitutional support is essential and the Cabinet sub-panel on it will help in decision-making," he observed.

Civic polls

"The State Government is not running away from holding municipal elections, the Congress had emerged stronger in the past 10 months, so there is no need to unnecessarily postpone them," Dr. Keshava Rao said. The Government was keen on determining properly the reservation for Backward Classes and the exercise may take another one more month as socio-economic survey was in progress.

Money would not play any role in the allotment of party ticket in the elections, he said and added that there would be no interference from the APCC at all. A committee at district level would be the final authority.

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