Rich tributes were paid to the martyrs of freedom fighters on Shaheed Divas at Papadahandi in Nabarangpur district at a formal function here. During the Quit India Movement when a large procession of freedom fighters was proceeding to Dabugam, the British police forces resorted to lathicharge and firing near a bridge on the Turi river of Papadahandi.
As many as 19 persons were killed, while a large number of people jumped into the overflowing Turi river to swim across for safety. Hundreds were injured in a stampede, while 140 were put under arrest. To commemorate the sacrifices, every year Saheed Divas is celebrated at Papadahandi Saheed Pitha.
Odisha Planning Board vice chairman Surendra Nath Nayak was the chief guest, while Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Ramesh Chandra Majhi, MlAs, Bhujabala Majhi, Monahar Randhari and Subash Gond, ZP President Motiram Nayak, former MlA Sadan Nayak, DIPRO Bhujang Bhusan Rao, Papadahandi BDO Ratnakar Sahu and Somanath Bissoyi, among others, paid tributes to the 19 martyrs.
ADM Bhimman Seth presided over the meeting, while family members of the freedom fighters were felicitated at the function. Cultural programmes were performed by the students of Aurobindo School, Papdahandi.