PM talks to YSR, to visit AP today

New Delhi, July 30 (UNI) Acknowledging the gravity of the situation arising from the police firing in Khammam district, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and announced that he would visit Hyderabad later in the day to review programmes on agriculture, infrastructure and investment plans.

''The Prime Minister spoke to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and reviewed the situation arising out of the police firing in Khammam District,'' PM's Media Advisor Sanjaya Baru said.

The Chief Minister informed Dr Singh about the steps taken and the decision to institute a judicial inquiry.

''The Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt sympathy for the next of the kin of those who died in the firing. He enquired about the welfare of those injured. The Prime Minister expressed his regret at the unfortunate incident.'' Dr Singh reiterated the Government's commitment to redistribute surplus land and fulfill its stated commitments to the rural poor, especially the landless.

The Prime Minister will be visiting Hyderabad today to review the programmes with respect to agriculture, infrastructure and investment plans for the State, Dr Baru said.

The police had opened fire in Khammam district on Saturday during a Left-sponsored strike to press for implementation of land reforms.

Six people were killed in the firing.

UNI