India approves creation of new southern state
Iran Press TV
Wed Jul 31, 2013 7:9AM GMT
India's Congress-led ruling coalition has announced the creation of a new state in the country’s southern region, stirring fears of violence in the area.
The United Progressive Alliance coalition on Tuesday approved the division of the state of Andhra Pradesh and the creation of Telangana state as India’s 29th state.
The new state will include 10 of Andhra Pradesh districts, home to a majority of Telungu-speaking people.
"It was not an easy decision, we appeal to people to cooperate," spokesman of the Congress Party, Ajay Maken, said.
Protests are expected to be held against the decision as the proposed Telangana would also include the state capital and industrial hub, Hyderabad.
Demands for the creation of a separate state of Telangana first surfaced in the 1950s. Hundreds of people lost their lives in clashes and protests over the past decade.
Meanwhile, Indian federal troops have been sent to Andhra Pradesh’s coastal areas, where people are opposing the division of the state.
The new state is to be established over the next four to five months.
A number of India’s 28 states are large in size, making them difficult to administer.
India’s Bundelkhand region in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha in western Maharashtra state and Gorkhaland in the eastern West Bengal state are also facing similar division movements.
Political analysts say the Indian government’s move will increase similar division demands in other regions.
SZH/PR
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