Khurda: The Khurda district Paika Mahasangha has announced that it may field a candidate from Jatni Assembly constituency in the upcoming elections to protest the callous attitude of the BJP-led central government and the BJD government in state and to fulfill the demands of Paika community.
The Khurda district Paika Mahasangha Sunday organised a meeting at Barunei Peeth here and accused the Centre and state government of ignoring the demands of Paikas — members of a warrior community — in state.
Participating in the meeting, Mahasangha president Purnachandra Paikaray alleged that the Centre and the state government have failed to accord the first freedom struggle status to Paika Rebellion in Odisha. “The Paikas had revolted against the Britishers in 1817. It was the first freedom struggle against the British rule in India. But, the Centre and state has done nothing to recognise Paika Rebellion as the first freedom struggle from the state,” Paikaray said.
Addressing the gathering, Paika Mahasangha state president Ashok Kumar Palatasingh urged the Centre and state government to revive the Paika Akhadas, set up an academy for Paikas and take steps to form a Paika regiment to honour the great rebellion.
Palatasingh also urged the central and state governments to introduce the martial arts of Paikas in schools and colleges and provide reservation to Paika community in government jobs.
“The central and state governments have introduced a number of schemes for different sections of the society. But, they are yet to introduce a scheme for the Paikas. They had organised several programmes to commemorate the bicentenary of Paika rebellion, but they did nothing for the Paika community,” Palatasingh alleged.
Members of Paika community from several districts participated in the meeting and displayed their martial art skills.
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