Odisha Paika convention in Bhubaneswar: Demands Paika Rebellion as First War of Independence

Bhubaneswar, Dec 17: Khordha Paikas have joined voice with at least 200 Paika Akhada Organisations to strengthen the the echoes over the demand of ‘First War of Independence’ tag to Odihsa’s Paika Rebellion, raised by social outfits and different political parties. Demonstrating in favour of the movement, Unions of Paika Organisations and Martial Art Institutions of the Odisha on Friday, congregated at Bhubaneswar and urged the Union Culture Minister to work out on the demand. Thousands of legacies of valiant Paikas under the aegis of  ‘ New Thinking  Forum’ joined the convention being adorned with the attires of valiant Paikas. Being equipped with traditional weapons and armors, they demanded ‘First War of Independence’  Tag  to Odisha’s ‘Paika Rebellion’ fought against the British Colonialism in 1817, led by Valiant warriors including Buxi Jagabadhu, Jai Rajguru with the help of  Tapang’s Dalbehera and heroic paikas of Khordha. On the occasion Jatani MLA, Suresh Routray, Jitu Mitra and Dillip Srichandan addressed the convention and urged the Union Ministry to take favourable step to tag the Paika movement as the first War of Indian Independence. Worth mentioning, the Paikas of Khorda district were congregated at the foothill of historical Barunai hill on December 7 and pledged to raise the issue into a great social revolution, till the mission triggers success.