‘Jallianwala Bagh’

On January 1, 1948, Kharsawan witnessed a massacre during a protest, similar to the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy. Here is the history-

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In 1912, Adivasi demanded a separate state, when Bengal Presidency was partitioned into Bihar and Orissa Province

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In 1930, Simon Commission acknowledged Bihar and Orissa as an 'artificial unit,' fuelling Adivasi demand for a separate state

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In 1938, Adivasi Mahasabha formed, led by Jaipal Singh Munda, intensified the struggle for a distinct Adivasi state

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Kharsawan, a princely state, chose Orissa during Independence, to which Adivasis protested, seeking a separate Adivasi state

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In January 1, 1948, over 50,000 Adivasis gathered in Kharsawan, protesting the impending merger

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Orissa military police, uneasy with the massive crowd, took charge of law and order, setting the stage for tragedy

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Jaipal Munda's absence heightened tensions and police opened fire with Sten guns on the restless crowd, triggering the massacre

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At least 2,000 Adivasis killed, and numerous casualties took place, with bodies being disposed in a well and jungle

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Uncertainty still remains on who ordered the massacre, and even the investigations yielded no clarity

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Today, Kharsawan has a memorial, a solemn political pilgrimage site, marking New Year’s Day in memory of the tragic event

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