Congress advocates patience on Telangana issue

Congress on Monday advocated "patience and peace" on Telangana saying the issues related to separate statehood demand were "contentious" and required engagement of all stakeholders in Andhra Pradesh.

Noting that he understands the "emotion and anxiety" involved in Telangana, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said these are "contentious" issues for which there are "no easy solution".

"There is a need to be patient...there is a need to stay engaged. Government has been in consultation with all stakeholders and all sections of people. It is important that people on all sides must be patient and remain engaged and peaceful," Tewari said in response to questions on the Telangana issue.

His reactions came on a day when pro-Telangana students in Hyderabad clashed with police even as the bandh called by different groups favouring separate statehood had little impact in the state capital and Telangana districts.

Telangana student unions including Osmania University Students Joint Action Committee gave a bandh call today, protesting the alleged high-handedness of police during the 'Telangana March' in support of the separate statehood demand yesterday.