The Telangana government’s decision to disburse Rs 10 lakh to the kin of martyrs, who lost their lives for the cause of Telangana statehood is laudable, stated Telangana Coordination Committee here on Thursday.
TCC office-bearers Dr A. Gopal Kishan, chairman, former MLC Chukka Ramaiah, veteran journalist Potturi Venkateswarlu and TCC treasurer A Rajender Babu stated Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had once again demonstrated that he would fulfill promises made in his party manifesto.
“This measure is a fitting tribute to all those who made supreme sacrifice for the cause of statehood. However it is well known that Telangana struggle went on for six decades and during the 1969-70 phase, some 370 Telangana patriots died for the cause of Telangana. It is not clear from the government’s announcement whether 462 martyrs identified for financial assistance include those lost their lives during that phase of the struggle”.
“It would indeed be in the interest of justice and honour for the martyrs if their kin are included for receiving the financial assistance. Further it may be pertinent to mention that one of the advisors of the TCC Prof. Sridhar Swamy compiled list of martyrs whose number comes to about 1200. Therefore TCC urges the government to take cognizance of these facts lest no genuine name should be left out”, they added.
The TCC leaders further stated that during the 1969-70 struggle there have been instances of individuals coming to the aid of kin of those who committed suicides or self immolations. Mention must be made of Prithvi Raj of Warangal, who has been financially helping some of the kin of martyrs since 2006.
“Such examples may be going unnoticed. TCC commends their work. Examples of this kind are inspiring”, they added.
The TCC leaders urged the KCR government to extend the scope of financial assistance to all martyrs, who made supreme sacrifices for the cause of Telangana since beginning of the struggle.
