The Telangana agitation appears to have gone into the hands of people who seem to have no interest in a settlement. The democratic process initiated on January 5, in which the major parties of Andhra Pradesh agreed to work peacefully, has been given the go-by. As a first step, politicians must dissociate themselves from students. Students should be told to get back to their classrooms. All parties should realise that there can be no readymade solution to the vexatious problem. Discussions and consultations are a must. The academic community should stop dictating terms to political parties. It is time the government acted tough to restore confidence in the people of the State.
P.S.S. Murthy,
Hyderabad
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It is rather disturbing to see that the future of students is being treated rather lightly. It is expected of teachers to make students see reason and observe restraint. At the all-party meeting in New Delhi, all political parties agreed to restore peace and initiate discussions on the Telangana issue. But what is happening is totally contrary to what was agreed.
Bifurcation of a linguistic State created 53 years ago is not simple. It cannot be achieved in such a charged atmosphere. The whole of Andhra Pradesh - and the rest of the country - is suffering, thanks to our politicians. Why can't they come together and see how best the situation can be tackled - one way or the other - in a mutually acceptable manner? Why disturb the youngsters?
K.S. Rao,
Hyderabad
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The Centre has clearly said that wide-ranging consultations with various groups should be held to find a solution to the Telangana issue. It is true that the previous governments did not honour the agreements on Telangana. But all that is past. The problem needs to be addressed in the present. People should understand that the same politicians will continue to represent them after the State is bifurcated. There will be another Ministry and more bureaucrats - and more expenditure.
A solution can be evolved in the existing framework if all parties join hands, and forget and forgive the past. They should agree that the post of Chief Minister will be held by leaders from all regions in rotation. All backward districts should be identified and a road map for development drawn. As a first step, the parties should ask students to return to their colleges.
Kalidasu Hareram,
Vijayawada
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It is a pity that students are being misguided by vested interests - some have even committed suicide. The Telangana agitation is the creation of some politicians. There will be no change in the lives of the people of the region even after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
Jay Dinakar,
New Jersey
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The Telangana movement seems to be slowly slipping from the hands of politicians and film stars - into the hands of university teachers. Unfortunately, students are becoming cannon fodder in the larger political game. Their future is at stake.
Y. Markandeyulu,
Hyderabad
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Students have always played a key role in spearheading the agitation for Telangana. Self-respect and self-rule are the main issues involved. The movement for a unified Andhra Pradesh is sponsored by individuals who have business interests in Hyderabad. It is the Centre's delay in announcing the formation of a separate State that is prompting students to resort to drastic action.
Ardha Srinivas,
Ramagundam
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I am writing this as one who, like millions of others in the Telangana region, is emotionally attached to the statehood issue. It is not a handful of people, as constantly argued, but a majority in the region that wants a separate State of Telangana. It is, therefore, important to stop branding anyone who fights for the cause an extremist. The Telangana movement is centred around self-respect.
K. Vijayshree,
Hyderabad
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The charge that the Telangana agitation has been hijacked by extremist elements is incorrect. The demand for a Telangana state has been pending for long. The movement has, by and large, been peaceful for quite some time. But people's patience is running out, which is manifesting itself in the student agitation. The recent suicide by a young student of Osmania University shows how desperate people are about the cause.
T. Durga Reddy,
Hyderabad
