HYDERABAD: Slammed by both Congress high command and the Centre for “poor” handling of the ongoing strike for Telangana, Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Monday talked tough warning protestors of stern action henceforth.
“We will adopt a zero tolerance approach and initiate stern action against anyone, including leaders spearheading the statehood agitation, if they tried to create any law and order problem or cause any inconvenience to people,” the Chief Minister warned after a high-level meeting with some ministers and top officials here on Monday.
At the same time, he 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.
“Telangana is a sensitive issue. The Centre is seriously undertaking the consultation process and discussing the issue with various groups. But a decision cannot be taken in a surcharged atmosphere,” Kiran said and appealed to the JAC to call off the strike immediately.
The Chief Minister was virtually put on notice when he met the Congress high command in New Delhi two days ago and directed to crackdown on the separatist elements who left normal life in the state paralysed for the last 28 days. (PTI)