Balasore: As India celebrates 80th Independence Day, a village in Bhadrak district recalls Odisha‘s own “Jallianwala Bagh”, amid growing demands to develop it as a nationally recognised heritage destination.Known as “Second Jallianwala Bagh”, Bhadrak’s Eram village witnessed the killing of 29 people in British police firing, similar to the Punjab massacre, during the Quit India Movement. The Eram Massacre, also known as Rakta Tirtha (pilgrimage of blood), took place on Sept 28, 1942. Local freedom fighters had declared Eram a “free zone” and set up a parallel administration in defiance of the then British rule.On the fateful day, around 5,000 villagers had gathered on Eram Melana ground to discuss further agitation against the colonial govt, when a police contingent, led by DSP Kunjabihari Mohanty, reached the spot and opened fire on the unarmed gathering. The location’s geographical layout made escape difficult, with the ground enclosed by buildings and natural barriers on three sides. Police reportedly fired 304 rounds within a few minutes, killing 28 people on the spot and another later from injuries. Fifty-six others sustained bullet injuries. Among the victims was 65-year-old Pari Bewa.For villagers, the victims remain symbols of courage and sacrifice, and Rakta Tirtha more than a memorial. It is a living reminder that the freedom celebrated across India came at a heavy price and the sacrifice of those who stood against the colonial rule must never fade from public memory.Now, 84 years on, residents demand greater attention towards the historic site. Social worker Ranjan Nayak said the development undertaken so far has been inadequate compared with the site’s historical significance.There are growing demands to develop Eram as a nationally recognised heritage destination, with proposals for a digital freedom museum, light-and-sound show, improved preservation of historic locations and better visitor infrastructure. Local groups have also sought welfare measures for the descendants of the martyrs as the legacy of Eram continues to shape the villagers’ understanding of independence. “For us, independence means the ability to voice our opinions without fear. It’s a privilege earned through the struggles of those who came before us,” said villager Banshidhar Panda.Another villager, Padmanabha Das, said freedom had given people the opportunity to shape their own destinies.
