GTA to observe Martyrs’ day

SNS, Darjeeling, 24 July 2013: The information and cultural department of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) would observe Martyrs’ Day on 27 July to remember those who were killed in course of the Gorkhaland movement. All the departments under the GTA would remain closed that day. 

Before the emergence of the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha on the political horizon of the Hills, it was the sole prerogative of the GNLF to observe the day every year. But significantly, the Darjeeling Gorkha Hills Council (DGHC) controlled by the party had never observed the day officially. 

This is the first time since the GTA board was formed in August 2012 that the autonomous body will observe the day. 

“We feel that the martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause of Gorkhaland have never received due honour. Now the autonomous body has decided to honour them in a befitting manner,” said the executive member to the GTA, Mr Binay Tamang. 

He added that Martyrs’ Day will be observed at Rangmanch Bhavan in Darjeeling, Sahid Park at Kalimpong, Eagles Crag at Kurseong and Krishna Nagar at Mirik. 

“The family members of all the martyrs have been summoned,” he added. As per records, around 1200 people died in course of the movement launched by Subash Ghising’s party in 1986. 

Mr Tamang said the GTA would undertake the responsibility of looking after the members of the martyrs’ families. 

“We will provide them with jobs as per requirements and take care of their health,” he said. Meanwhile, the GNLF has also decided to observe the day in the Hills." 

Mr Mangang Subba, a senior party leader, said the principal memorial would be held at Bloomfield and Rock Garden on the outskirts of Darjeeling.