Freedom fighters martyr tower lies neglected

Kendrapara, Aug 11 (UNI) As the country prepares to celebrate the 60th Independence Day, a martyrs' tower at Kalamatia under Bari Block of Jajpur district lies neglected following the Orissa government's 'apathy'.

The villagers had erected the tower to remember the heroic deeds and the sacrifice made by the four martyrs freedom fighters-- Sanada Swain , Hadibandhu Panda , Saunti Mallick and Mayadhar Bhuyan who sacrificed their lives during the Quit India movement in Kalamatia in 1975.

The tower is lying in utter neglect with bushes covering the entire area.

Villagers alleged that the government had not taken any step to preserve the historical importance of the tower. According to Nityananda Parida on August 22, 1942, about one hundred villagers, led by the four freedom fighters, set ablaze the Kaipada village post office and gave a stiff resistance to British police when they tried to enter the village.

But police managed to enter the village in six boats by crossing the river Brahmani and opened fire on the freedom fighters killing all the four on the spot and injuring several others,Mr Parida said.

The government had not taken any step during the last six decades to protect and preserve the place, considered as an historical importance despite persistent pleas, said Jameswar Shukla grandson of Hadibandhu Panda, one of the martyrs.

UNI