The Odisha Bira Mahasangha on Wednesday announced to hold a massive rally on December 27 in Bhuabneswar demanding recognition of the Paika Rebellion as the first Independence movement in the country.
Members of the organisation led by former Khordha MLA Dillip Srichnadan, Jatni MLA Suresh Kumar Roputray and Bira Mahasangh president Dr Prakash Srichndan met Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal and submitted a memorandum addressed to the President of India, Prime Minister and Union Culture Minister in this regard.
The delegation made a presentation to the Governor justifying how the Paika Bidroha was the first war of Independence which happened in the year 1817 and after much later in 1857 the Sepoy Mutiny took place.
Prakash Srichandan said that if the Union Government turns down the proposal, the organisation would hold the death anniversary of Paika Bidroha leader Buxi Jagbandhu on January 24 at the Red Fort in New Delhi.