CCSAP Not Redundant: Srikrishna

Rebutting claims of some leaders that the formation of the Committee For Consultations On Situation in Andhra Pradesh (CCSAP) would not serve any purpose in solving the separate statehood issue, CCSAP Chairman Justice B N Srikrishna said that the recommendations of the committee would be useful and valuable to all regions.

Talking to the media at Jubilee Hall after holding discussions with Seemandhra leaders, on Thursday, Justice Srikrishna said that the Panel's recommendations would give direction to the centre on how to proceed with the contentious issue of the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

Justice Srikrishna said in Telugu, "Maadi dikku maalina Committee kaadu, panikirani committee kaadu, paniki wachchey committee maadi, dikku chupe committee maadi, kendraniki saraina dikku chuputam."

Member-secretary V K Duggal said that the committee would consider the views of the people before presenting its recommendations to the government.

Duggal said that the committee would take a favourable and impartial decision, respecting the sentiments of the people of all regions and submit its report before the deadline of 31st December.

Duggal also added that the committee would give complete details to media over the developments and the situation in Andhra Pradesh again in October.

The member-secretary said the committee had received 1,20,000 representations from people of state. Of these, 3,000 memorandums have complete details and reasons why they are seeking separate statehood or opposing the bifurcation.

Duggal said that the committee has completed 90-95% of the consultation work, and that if the members had any doubts over water, power and other details, they could contact the concerned officials. Duggal also said that there is no chance of holding group discussions afterwards.

Duggal clarified that the committee has not made any comments regarding the declaration of Hyderabad as a Centrally Administered Area.

The member-secretary said that the committee is considering all possible avenues, in its efforts to find a solution to the controversial statehood issue, and that it would not succumb to any pressure.

"The committee report is not final. The centre and state have to take a final decision on the controversial statehood issue," he pointed out.

Duggal also advised the media to act in a responsible manner as the issue is both sensitive and emotive.

When asked to comment, the member-secretary said that the committee has also taken the issue of Group I preliminary examination for consideration.

Courtesy: INN