Home Minister's statement on Telangana

After hours of discussions to resolve the Telangana crisis in Andhra Pradesh, HomeMinister P Chidamabaram made a short statement on Wednesday night announcing the central government's decision to initiate the process for a separate Telangana state. He said:

"The process of forming the state of Telangana, will be initiated. An appropriate resolution will be moved In the state assembly.

We have requested the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh to withdraw the cases filed on or after November 2009, against all the leaders, students and others associated with present agitation. The Chief Minister informed us he will take the necessary steps in this regard.

We are concerned about the health of Shri K Chandrasekhar Rao, we request him to withdraw his fast immediately. We also appeal to all concerned, especially the students, to withdraw their agitation and help restore normalcy."