Jajpur (PTI): Hundreds of tribals from across the state congregated at Kalinga Nagar steel hub in Jajpur district on Tuesday to observe the 12th anniversary of police firing in which 14 tribals were killed.

The tribals, under the leadership of Vistapan Virodhi Jana Manch (VVJM), observe the day as Saheed Divas or Martyrs' Day to commemorate the death of their 14 fellow tribals every year.

Earlier, tribals opposing displacement and anti-displacement forums led by the VVJM were observing such Martyrs' Day in Kalinga Nagar. But, for the first time, pro-displacement tribals and their fronts took part in it rally this year.

VVJM secretary Rabindra Jarika said: "Unlike previous years, we have chosen to observe the Saheed Divas today. Earlier, we were observing it alone. But this year, our Saheed Divas observation is some thing different for us as pro-displacement tribals and industry supporters have joined with us for the cause."

The tribals, armed with their traditional weapons, took out a protest rally from Champakoila village to the Veer Bhumi, to mark the 12th anniversary of the police firing. The speakers at the meeting said there shouldn't be any industry at the cost of tribals and their livelihood.

Acquisition of land is not only affecting the financial condition of the tribals, but also robbing them of their only means of survival, said the speakers at the meeting.