Forum threatens satyagraha if Telegana demand not met by Govt

New Delhi, Aug 20 (UNI) A forum fighting for the formation of Telengana state today threatened to launch a ''people's satyagraha'' from October 2 if their demand for a separate state was not met by then.

The forum, Telangana Rashtra Sadhana Samyukta Vedika, held a dharna near the Jantar Mantar here to press for their demand.

The forum comprises people from all walks of life--doctors, engineers, students, teachers, SCs/STs and freedom fighters.

Speaking about the body's resolve, Chief spokesman and member of the Committee of Eminent Freedom Fighters Konda Laxmi Bapuji said the demand for Telengana state has been an age-old one and the UPA government had promised to work for it in its Common Minimum Programme.

''The Government now is going back on its commitment. We have come here to voice our protest. If our demand is not granted by September 30, we shall resort to agitations, road rokos, chakka jams etc as part of a people's satyagraha programme,'' said Bapuji.

The nonagenarian leader pointed out that he had resigned from the state government way back in 1969 on the Telegana issue.

He said though the forum was a non-political one, all political parties including the TRS and the Congress were welcomed to be part of it, if they were in favour of Telegana state.

UNI