Sakala Janula Samme Called Off

The 42 day long Sakala Janula Samme or the people's strike by pro-Telangana government employees in Andhra Pradesh demanding creation of a separate state, was called off late Monday evening following marathon discussions between the agitators and the government.

The employees, on strike since September 13 as part of the 'Sakala Janula Samme' (strike by all sections) in support of a host of demands including a timeline for statehood to the region, called it off after several rounds of discussions with Deputy Chief Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha and senior officials at the state secretariat in Hyderabad. The government has accepted nine demands made by the striking employees.

D Nagender, Minister for Labour and Employment said the state government has agreed to implement most of the employees' demands and some of the issues, which are not under the state government's purview, will be referred to the central government. "We sincerely thank the employees for calling off their strike. The Chief Minister has agreed to most of their demands. The employees have understood the situation and agreed to join duties from Tuesday," Nagender told reporters after the talks were successfully concluded.

Telangana Political Joint Action Committee Chairman Kodandaram said the employees have called of their strike "temporarily" and thanked them for their support to the Telangana cause. Minister of Finance A Ramanarayana Reddy said the salary for the strike period will be given to the employees as special advance keeping in view the festive season. Employees said they will resume their duties from Tuesday.