The Samaja Andolana, Odisha, which has been demanding protection of Odia language and culture, continued its agitation here for the second day on Friday.
Activists destroyed many hoardings with obscene pictures at Kali Mandir and Nicco Park Squares at around 10.30 am. Besides, they also painted black colour on name plates of many Government officers which were written in non-Odia languages. Police arrested at least 19 members and released them in the evening.
“We want Odia used as official language in the State. As a first step, the name plates of Government officers should be written in Odia. Similarly, all examinations and interviews required for the State Government jobs should be held in Odia. Besides, vulgarity will no way be tolerated,” said Andolon president Prof Kulamani Nayak and secretary Kahnu Charan Behura in a statement.
They too stated that the Andolan would continue programmes to press for fulfillment of the above three demands till April 13 to be observed as Odia New Year. Besides, we have resolved to make Bhubaneswar non-Odia name plate free and obscene hoarding free city, they said.
Among others, Paresh Bhanja, Prativa Das, Ramesh Swain, Kedarnath Sahu, Pitambar Bhuyan, Anusuya Patra, Kanchanbala Jati and Bandita Das were arrested.