New Delhi:

The Centre has declared that September 17 will be celebrated annually as 'Hyderabad Liberation Day'. According to a notification from the Union Home Ministry, Hyderabad remained under the Nizam's rule for 13 months after India's independence on August 15, 1947. The region was liberated through 'Operation Polo' on September 17, 1948, ending the Nizam's reign.

Responding to the demand from the local populace, the Government of India has decided to commemorate this day to honor the martyrs who played a pivotal role in the Hyderabad Liberation Movement. Home Minister Amit Shah hailed this decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating it pays homage to the freedom fighters who made immense sacrifices to integrate Hyderabad into India.

Upon gaining independence, Hyderabad faced resistance from the Razakars, who advocated for either joining Pakistan or establishing a separate Muslim dominion. However, the people of the region fiercely opposed this and fought against the atrocities committed by the Razakars to ensure Hyderabad's merger with the Union of India.

The annexation of Hyderabad into the Union of India on September 17, 1948, marked the end of Nizam's rule, which was achieved through military action led by then Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has been organizing commemorative events on September 17 each year to honor 'Hyderabad Liberation Day'. These events have seen participation from Union Home Minister Amit Shah and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for the region's integration into India.