Mamata remembers Nandigram martyrs

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday paid homage to those who had been gunned down in Nandigram on this day 18 years ago.

Party supremo Mamata Banerjee on social media paid respect to those who martyred during the movement to protect land in Nandigram. State government observes March 14 as Farmers’ Day. Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek also paid his respect to the martyrs through his social media post on Friday. The day this year coincided with Dolyatra and Holi Utsav.

Trinamool Congress in a post on X said: “Nandigram Dibas honours the courage and sacrifice of those who stood against oppression in Nandigram. Their bravery symbolises resilience and justice, inspiring people to uphold these values. Today, we remember their struggle and the lasting impact of their fight for a fairer society.”

Trinamool Congress leaders on Friday observed the Nandigram Diwas near Bhangabera bridge on Friday.

The erstwhile Left Front government had issued a notice to acquire land to set up a chemical hub under the Special Economic Zone to be developed by Indonesia-based Salim Group. When the villagers resisted, the police opened fire killing 14 people on the spot while another 70 people were wounded. Along with police force, CPI(M) cadres entered the villages and tortured women and even children were not spared. Trinamool Congress had then alleged that at least 50 people were killed on the spot in police firing.