Tribals observe 62nd Gurnudia Sahid Divas

Baripada (Orissa), Feb 6 (PTI) With bows and arrows inraised hands in their traditional attire, hundreds of tribalsthronged Gurundia, a small village in Orissa''s Mayurbhanjdistrict today to observe the 62nd Gurnudia Sahid Divas.

Swaying to their traditional musical instruments, thedancing tribals congregated at a meeting place in the villageamidst slogans eulogising tribal martyrs and leaders.

The occasion assumed significance as on this day in1949 opposing merger of then Mayurbhanj princely state withOrissa several tribals had organised a meeting at Gurundia.

Demanding special entity status for the thenMayurbhanj princely state, the tribals revolted and many fellto police bullets while several were maimed in the policeaction.

Mayurbhanj princely state had merged with Orissa onJanuary 1, 1949 and within months of its merger the tribalshad revolted, an historian said.

Today''s impressive rally was attended among others byJharkhand deputy chief minister Hemant Soren and formerJharkhand chief minister Shibu Soren.

Stating that no official data was available on the1949 incident, the leaders demanded a proper inquiry into itwith preparation of a full list of those who fell to policebullets and compensation to the families.

Besides, a memorial of those killed in the incident beerected at the site, they demanded.