Telangana recalls Sakala Janula Samme on its 15th anniversary

Telangana on Sunday recalled the Sakala Janula Samme, a 42-day agitation that brought government employees, teachers, students, lawyers, RTC and Singareni workers together during the separate statehood movement. The protest began 15 years ago following KCR's call

Hyderabad: It has been exactly 15 years since the Sakala Janula Samme was organised as part of the separate Telangana movement. Roads were filled with people, offices wore a deserted look and employees took to the streets.

Cutting across sections, government employees, teachers, students, lawyers, RTC workers and others participated in the protest. The agitation lasted 42 days and showcased the people’s resolve to achieve Telangana.

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Many employees who have since retired from service turned emotional while recalling those days. The Sakala Janula Samme reflected the aspirations of the people of Telangana and brought the entire administration to a standstill.

“Like all people, employees cooked food in front of the Secretariat and had their meals on the road. The spirit was unbelievable,” Telangana Employees Sangham honorary chairman Padma Chary recalled.

People from different sections voluntarily joined the agitation and their efforts eventually paid off. There was a strong feeling among the people that despite having abundant resources, the region had been discriminated against and exploited.

Agriculture, electricity, irrigation and law and order sectors have improved considerably after the formation of Telangana, he said.

As part of the strike, people took to the streets and staged peaceful protests. RTC buses remained confined to their respective depots, while Singareni employees refrained from mining. Men and women also played Bathukamma on the roads.

Recalling those moments, people took to social media and shared images and videos of the Sakala Janula Samme.

Posting a video of BRS chief K Chandrashekhar Rao’s speech, X user Srinivas Surukunti said the 15th anniversary marked a historic moment when the people of Telangana united in a peaceful 42-day strike following KCR’s call on September 12, 2011.

“With the resounding spirit of ‘Aur ek dakka, Telangana Pakka’, they braved all odds and made Delhi hear the demand for Statehood,” he said.