Kalinganagar: Fifteen years have passed since 13 innocent tribals were massacred by police at Kalinganagar in Jajpur district while opposing displacement.
Bistapan Birodhi Janamanch and Bistapita Paribar Unnayan Parishad jointly observed an annual commemoration of the gory incident at Ambagadia Saturday.
Police fired at agitating tribals January 2, 2006 resulting in death of 13 tribals. In retaliatory attack from tribals, a police havildar named Gopa Mohant was killed. Four tribals were paralysed.
Every year, tribals and the kith and kin of the deceased tribals observe January 2 as Saheed Divas.
Tribals from outside Odisha even come to the place to reminisce the memories of dead tribals every year. They hold rallies from Champakoili to Birabhoomi where a shaheed pillar has been set up.
Due to COVID-19 norms, some tribals and their leaders worshiped at the place and offered flowers. 10 platoons of police were deployed at the place.
PNN