Sahid Diwas: Remembering our Gorkha martyrs and Kalimpong Massacre
Every year, on the 27th of July, Sahid Diwas is observed to commemorate the brave Gorkhas who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Gorkhaland statehood. One such significant event in the pursuit of Gorkhaland was the Kalimpong Massacre that occurred on July 27, 1986. On this day, the peaceful rally in Kalimpong turned tragic as the police opened fire on the procession, leading to a pivotal moment in the history of Darjeeling.
In 1986, 27 July on the day of the Kalimpong Massacre, the people of various ethnicities, including bahun, newar, gurung, rai, limbu, tamang, lepcha, bhutia, kami, damai, and many more, united with one voice and one purpose - the demand for "Gorkhaland." The rally was intended to be a peaceful means of expression, calling for a separate state for the Gorkha community.
Despite the procession being known to the police in advance, the authorities responded with excessive force by positioning themselves around the road. Without warning, they opened fire on the unarmed crowd, violating not only Indian laws but also international principles. The sudden and indiscriminate use of firearms resulted in a tragic loss of many Gorkha lives.
The Kalimpong Massacre marked a turning point in the history of Darjeeling and its surroundings. The anger and grief that emerged on that day spread like wildfire, engulfing the entire hills, Terai, and Dooars regions. Thousands of young lives were lost, leaving behind heartbroken mothers, widowed wives, and orphaned children. The incident evoked strong emotions among the people, intensifying the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state.
Sahid Diwas, observed on 27th July, is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who laid down their lives for the cause of Gorkhaland. The Kalimpong Massacre remains a poignant chapter in the history of Darjeeling, etched in the memories of those Gorkha martyrs. As we observe Sahid Diwas, let us honor the memories of the fallen and strive for a harmonious and inclusive future for the people of the hills and beyond.
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