Hyderabad, Oct 11 : Facing flak from Congress high command as well as the Centre over his handling of the strike in favour of separate statehood for Telangana, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy today said his government would adopt zero-tolerance approach towards the protesters, particularly those seeking to disturb law and order.
“We will initiate stern action against anyone, including leaders, spearheading the statehood agitation, if they try to create any law and order problem or cause any inconvenience to the people,” Reddy said after a high-level meeting with some ministers and top officials here.
He also directed the Group of Ministers on employees' issues to immediately invite the striking Telangana Employees Joint Action Committee leaders for talks to end the indefinite strike that began on September 18.
“If required, I too will negotiate with them. They (employees) have a responsibility to people, like we have,” Kiran pointed out.“The Centre is seriously undertaking the consultation process. But a decision cannot be taken in a surcharged atmosphere,” he said while appealing to the JAC to call off the strike immediately.
The Chief Minister has been directed by the party high command to crack down on the strike which has paralysed normal life for the last 28 days.He also alleged that the agitators were trying to prevent coal production at mines in Singareni Collieries. PTI
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