Government will not impose its view on Telangana: Chidambaram

New Delhi: Home Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday said the government will not thrust its opinion on Telangana and the decision on the statehood issue will be taken after consensus among political parties.

"The government will not impose its views on Telangana and the decision will be taken only after the eight political parties come up with a view," Chidambaram said while replying to a debate in the Lok Sabha on the demands for grants of the home ministry for 2012-13.

He said the government had in 2009 said it would initiate the process of formation of Telangana after the political parties of Andhra Pradesh endorsed the demand.

Chidambaram said the government had in 2009 said it would initiate the process of formation of Telangana after the political parties of AP endorsed the demand.

Regarding the problem of Maoist violence, the home minister said the government had no objection in talking to the rebels but they must give up violence during the period of the talk."

"I have no objection in talking to the Maoists...but they must give up violence during the period of talks," said Chidambaram.

However, he said as the stated objective of the Maoists was to over throw parliamentary democracy through armed rebellion, how could one talk to such groups.

He also urged all states to work together with the centre to ensure internal security of India in a troubled neighbourhood.

"Most of the terror groups are based in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran...so India is as vulnerable to terrorism as any other country," said Chidambaram.

Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, he said the report of the government interlocutors would be put up this week to elicit public opinion.

He added that Jammu and Kashmir and the north eastern states are witnessing a period of peace in the last decade.

He also stated that the proposed National Counter Terrorism Centre was approved by the parliament through an amendment to the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act in 2008.

Observing that intelligence gathering is key to strengthening internal security, the minister said capacity building like enhancing the number of security personnel, providing them latest arms and vehicles was also necessary.

"There are 5 lakh vacancies in police forces against 20 lakh sanctioned," said Chidambaram.

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