HYDERABAD, Aug 13: The 60th Independence Day celebrations picked momentum on Monday with people, including women and children thronging the stalls, selling national flags, badges, buntings and other items. District police had beefed up security measures.

Such stalls could also be found in different areas of Latifabad, Hyderabad and Qasimabad. The government, semi-government and private buildings were illuminated and national flags hoisted atop. Official activities will take place on Tuesday morning in government/private schools, colleges with rallies to highlight the sacrifices rendered by Muslims of the Sub-Continent for creation of a separate homeland. Fireworks had been planned at midnight. The Hyderabad Press Club and Hyderabad Union of Journalists (HUJ) would also celebrate the also planned Independence Day celebrations.

PRISONERS RELEASED: Twelve prisoners were released from the Central and Nara jails on the Independence Day remission. According to reports, 10 convicted for minor offences were released from the Central Prison Hyderabad, while two from the Nara Jail.