Rich tributes paid to Indravelli martyrs

​Utnoor: A large number of tribals paid rich tributes to those who were martyred in the police firing on April 20, 1981 in connection with the 36th anniversary of the infamous Indravelli carnage.

Earlier, the tribals took out a huge procession from the Sammakka Road playing their traditional musical instruments like Dappu. A newly built flag post was unveiled at the Indravelli martyrs’ memorial.

Rice was offered to the martyrs as a mark of tribute. The tribals observed silence for a while in memory of the martyrs.

Speaking to The Hans India here on Thursday, several leaders of tribals’ associations expressed their anger over the government for fudging facts by putting the number of dead on that day in the police firing in tens, while hundreds were perished in the massacre.

It was unfortunate that several hundreds of people died in the carnage. However, even 36 years after the ghastly incident, the government did not announce any financial assistance to families of the victims and this was highly vindictive and irresponsible, they lamented.

They said that it was strange that on one hand, the police gave permission to hold the meeting and on the other hand, imposed prohibitory orders. As a result, tribals could not attend the meeting in large numbers, they added. They said that this showed the apathy of the government towards the tribals.

They urged the State government to hold the martyrs’ day annually and take steps to develop the area as a popular tourist destination. That is one of the ways of paying homage to the dead, the tribal leaders said.

Former ITDA chairman Sidam Bheem Rao, human rights state level leader Atram Bhujanga Rao and others took part in the meeting.

By: Madavi Manik Rao