Freedom fighters anguish over non-allotment of land

For almost two decades, freedom fighters here sought land for the project. Though the government agencies had committed to do the needful, land allotment did not come off.

"To register our protest, we had stayed away from government functions in the past. But the government is insensitive. It is a show of disregard to the freedom fighters," Purusottam Nayak, president of district freedom fighters samiti, said.

"We are being shabbily treated. Freedom fighters now in their twilight of life are feeling humiliated," he rued.

The district administration had earlier given written consent to hand over the required patch of land near the Kendrapara College.

The freedom fighters continue to run from pillar to post to get about 20 decimal land required for the Sangrami Bhawan.

The matter has been brought to the notice of President, Prime Minister, Odisha Governor, Chief Minister besides bureaucrats.

"Every year, the government invites us on Independence Day and Republic Day. We are provided with lip service on those days that the land allotment would be done at the earliest.

But promises are made to be broken only," Nayak lamented.

When asked to comment, Kendrapara Collector Niranjan Nayak said, "A site had been selected earlier for this purpose.

However there was litigation over the selected plot.

"The administration had offered yet another plot for freedom fighters' bhawan on the outskirts of the town. But the freedom fighters' association is insisting on allotment of land in the heart of the township. The administration is trying its level best to settle the issue amicably at the earliest."