Anchalik Suraksha Mancha Protests for Fundamental Rights of Marginalized Communities
Balasore, 22/9 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty): Local representatives from Genguti Panchayat in Sadar Block, along with residents of Jambeshwarpur village—comprising tribal, sub-tribal, and economically disadvantaged groups—held a protest demanding their basic rights. The protest focused on a crucial road connecting this village to three adjacent settlements, which has now become nearly impassable. Despite long-standing appeals by local residents, no effective action has been taken by the administration.
The road, starting near Dr. Paramananda Sethi’s house and extending past the local library, serves as the lifeline for the three settlements, spanning over half a kilometer. It is the only route for school-going children and for accessing emergency services. The settlement also houses Sudhakar Sethi, a differently-abled athlete who has represented the state at national and international levels and brought pride to Odisha. During the rainy season, the road becomes completely unusable, leaving residents unable to transport patients or access urgent medical care.
Anchalik Suraksha Mancha highlighted the urgency of the matter and submitted a formal memorandum to the Balasore District Collector, demanding immediate resolution. Shockingly, even after 15 days, the administration and local representatives have remained silent, raising concerns about the future of this vital road for marginalized communities.
Recognizing the gravity of the issue, the forum and villagers have resolved to hold a peaceful demonstration on October 3, at the foot of the statue of the Father of the Nation within the District Collector’s office premises. A formal complaint has also been filed with Sahadevkunta Police Station, as confirmed by Kamallochan Roul, President of Anchalik Suraksha Mancha.
According to Mr. Roul, the attention of the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and Sadar Block officials has been drawn to the situation. The forum further stated that until the road issue is resolved, residents will continue their peaceful protest. Key members of the organization involved include Niranjan Sethi, Ranjan Kumar Das, Mrityunjay Mahapatra, Sudhakar Roul, Sanjib Jena, Ashwini Kumar Das, Sandeep Pradhan, Sanjib Nayak, Sanyasi Mukhi, Rakesh Bhuiyan, Mahesh Kumar Pani, along with several local villagers.
