In the wake of a possible decision on state bifurcation expected from the Centre, members of the Civil Society of Hyderabad on Sunday appealed to the public to maintain calm. They also appealed to the politicians not to make any acrimonious statements or comments that could cause disturbances in the region.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr A Gopala Kishan, Prof Emeritus of Nephrology and former superintendent of Osmania General Hospital, said, “Two years ago, there was no sense of direction in the struggle for a separate state. Many people lost their lives. But, now, everything is peaceful. Whatever be the decision of the Centre, we request everyone to maintain calm.”
He further said that the governments over the years have conveniently forgotten all the promises they made to the people of Telangana. “Observing utmost restraint and mutual appreciation will be highly rewarding in resolving all the issues in a friendly climate in future,” he added.
Prof Haragopal, human rights activist and ICSSR National Fellow, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, added, “All indications from Delhi suggest formation of Telangana state. The de-merger should take place with mutual respect since it is only territorial division, and it should only help the progress of both the regions.” Politicians should stop exploiting people any further, he said.
“We want the decision at the earliest. A harmonious atmosphere needs to be ensured in the larger interests of Telugu speaking people. It is therefore necessary to be realistic and help create a congenial atmosphere to enable Parliament to decide the future of the state,” he added. He also said no constitutional amendment is necessary and a bill has to be introduced in Parliament which has to spell out the contours of the new state and terms.
According to Dr Majid Khan, senior consultant psychiatrist, the atmosphere of uncertainty over the last 40 years have caused enough tragedy in the state. “Whatever happens, we are brothers and sisters. The government has not been able to handle the situation. So, we should hold together and protect ourselves,” he said.
Dr Somaraju, senior cardiologist, Care Hospitals, said a bad decision is better than having no decision at all and urged the Centre to decide the matter as soon as possible. Former MLC and educationist Chukka Ramaiah, who is now in Washington, through a message, said, “The unity evolved by continuous interactions of different people should not be disturbed by delaying a solution to the critical issue of Telangana.” Veteran journalist Potturi Venkateswara Rao was present.