The first meeting of the Gajapati Saura Ekata Manch was held at the Saura Development office at Chandragiri under Mohana block on Friday.
More than 500 people belonging to the Saura tribal community from several blocks, including R Udaygiri, Nuagada, Rayagada, Kashinagar and Gosani participated in the meeting.
lamenting the extinction of Saura language, culture and tradition, the participants slammed both the district administration and the State Government for their step-motherly attitude towards the primitive tribal community.
In view of this and for development of the Saura community, the tribals unanimously decided to work together in this direction. later, election of the Manch’s office-bearers was held. Jikhariya Sabar, Johan Dalabehera, Kermayi Sabar, Banamali Sabar, Siba Badamundi, Sudam Sabar, Enus Rout, Antaryami Gamang, Bijay Gamang, among others, were elected as Sangathaks. The body also elected its convenors.