Report is unbiased: Justice Srikrishna

In a statement which would go a long way in putting at rest conjecture about its contents, Justice B N Srikrishna on Tuesday stated that his Panel’s Report would satisfy all sections and people of all the three regions of Andhra Pradesh over the contentious issue of the bifurcation of the state.

Addressing media persons at the Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi, Justice Srikrishna thanked the media, political parties and the people for extending their cooperation and support in the compilation of data and inputs and for eliciting their views on the situation in the state.

The Srikrishna Commission (Committee for Consultations on Situation In Andhra Pradesh) was set up by the Union Government in the aftermath of the demand for a separate State of Telangana, after opposition to the bifurcation of the state arose from some quarters in Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions.

Justice Srikrishna also assured that the Report will be submitted on the deadline of December 31 set by the Centre. He hoped that the report would be accepted by all sections in the state since it will be unbiased and show no partiality towards any region or people.

The CCSAP chairman stated that the Commission has taken and studied all aspects concerning the people and interests of regions.

He categorically refused to divulge the contents of the Report when asked by media persons to do so. He asked them to wait for a few days.

Justice Srikrishna however said that the Report will give ample options to the Centre for taking a decision on the future of the state. 

When asked to comment on the deployment of Paramilitary Forces in the state, he said there was nothing wrong in this as the forces would be deployed to ensure peace and maintaining law and order.

“I have done my duty efficiently and responsibly and submitting the report as per the schedule. Now, it is the duty of the government to protect and save the lives of people,” he pointed out.

The CCSAP chairman also asked political parties and all the people to ensure peace prevails in the state after the submission of report.

Member secretary VK Duggal reiterated Justice Srikrishna’s words and said that the Commission has been unbiased in its approach. He also expressed the hope that the Report would help the government find a solution to the contentious issue.

He revealed that the Commission met for 30 times and held more than 100 consultations with political parties.

Another member Ravindra Kaur said “It is the responsibility of political leaders to ensure peace in the state even after the submission of report.”