Hyderabad: Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Tuesday inspected the arrangements at Secunderabad Parade Grounds for the grand Telangana Liberation Day (Hyderabad Mukti Diwas) celebrations to be organised by the Government of India on September 17.
Kishan Reddy reviewed the rehearsals of the Central Armed Forces parade and preparations for cultural programmes. He also held a review meeting with senior officials on security arrangements, traffic diversions and VIP protocol, directing them to ensure that all arrangements are completed without any lapses.
Speaking on the occasion, Kishan Reddy said that while the country celebrated Independence Day on August 15, 1947, the people of the erstwhile Hyderabad State under the Nizam’s rule did not attain freedom at that time.
He recalled the atrocities allegedly carried out by the Razakars in villages and said that people had built bastions and protective walls to safeguard themselves and their villages. He noted that remnants of those struggles and historical memories can still be seen in several villages across Telangana.
Kishan Reddy said that Hyderabad Mukti Diwas is not an event belonging to any individual or political party, but an occasion to remember the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the self-respect and liberation of Telangana. He said the Government of India officially initiated the celebrations to commemorate their sacrifices. Criticising the previous BRS government and the present Congress government, Kishan Reddy alleged that both had avoided officially conducting the historic celebrations due to political pressure from the Majlis party.
He said that as the BRS and Congress governments had failed to come forward, the Government of India has taken responsibility for organising the
celebrations in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Telangana.
As part of this year’s celebrations, the event will feature Central Armed Forces displays, performances by thousands of Telangana artists, traditional Dappu performances and cultural programmes depicting the region’s historic struggles.
Kishan Reddy said Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan will be the chief guest, along with Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Members of Parliament and several prominent personalities. He appealed to people across Telangana to participate in the celebrations and showcase the courage, pride and spirit of Telangana.
