Demand for new states: Shinde appeals for peace

Concerned over agitations for separate states in various parts of the country after the Congress approved Telangana's creation, union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde Thursday appealed to the people to protest in a peaceful and democratic way.

"I appeal to the people demanding new states not to take this route. They can agitate in a peaceful manner. They can protest in a democratic manner and put their views before the government. The government has listened to them," Shinde told reporters here.

According to the home minister, the demands for new states are being raised in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and in the country's northeastern region.

"Many people are demanding bifurcation of states," he said.

Making it clear that there has been no discussion within the government on setting up a second states reorganisation commission, the home minister said the government would approach the issue of separate states with an open mind.

"If it is workable whenever it is workable, it can be decided," said Shinde while admitting that the demand for a separate state of Vidarbha in Maharashtra was around 35 years old.