Gadwal: A group from the Telangana Movement Joint Action Committee (JAC), led by District General Secretaries G. Narasimhulu and T. Padma, presented a list of demands to the District Collector of Jogulamba Gadwal. They asked for state support and recognition for activists involved in achieving Telangana statehood.
G. Narasimhulu spoke about the historical sacrifices in the Telangana struggle, starting with the Mulki agitation in 1967-68 and continuing until the state was formed in 2014. He highlighted that 369 young students died in the first phase and over 1,200 martyrs in the second phase. Many activists now face neglect, economic struggles, poor health, and loss of jobs.
He urged the government to create a Welfare Board for Telangana activists and provide necessary funds. The JAC hopes their long-standing demands will finally be met.
JAC's 13 Demands:
1. Official recognition and ID cards for Telangana activists.
2. Allocation of 2,500 square yards of land and a four-room house for each recognized activist.
3. A monthly stipend of ₹30,000 for each activist.
4. ₹10 lakh compensation and government jobs for families of second-phase martyrs not covered earlier, with similar support for first-phase families.
5. A “Cultural Memorial Forest” on 100 acres to honor martyrs.
6. ESI healthcare for families of deceased activists.
7. Free bus passes for all recognized Telangana activists.
8. Priority in all government welfare programs for movement activists.
9. 2% reservation in education, employment, and politics for activists’ families.
10. ₹1 crore financial aid with 50% subsidy for activists starting businesses due to job losses during the movement.
11. Government jobs and livelihood opportunities for artists who supported the Telangana movement; establish a state cultural policy.
12. Build memorials for Telangana martyrs in each district.
13. ₹20 lakh general and accident insurance for recognized movement activists.
Other JAC leaders, including Prasanna, General Secretary of Gadwal, joined the appeal for justice and welfare for those who contributed to the creation of a separate Telangana state.
