Gorkhas in Dimapur, Kohima commemorate 76th Martyrs’ Day

Dimapur, Aug. 25 (EMN): The Dimapur Gorkha Union (DGU) and Gorkha Students’ Union Dimapur commemorated the 76th Martyrs’ Day of the First Indian Gorkha Martyr Major Durga Malla of the Indian National Army (INA) on August 25 at the residence of DGU finance secretary.

An update received here on Tuesday informed that DGU chairman Kumar Subba provided a brief account of Amar Shaheed Durga Malla during the short programme. He said that “today we live in this country with freedom as a result of the great sacrifice made by these men”.

 “The nation remembers the sacrifice and contributions of Major Durga Malla of the Indian National Army to the freedom struggle with the observance of Balidan Diwas. A great Indian Gorkha Freedom fighter, Saheed Durga Malla was hanged to death by the British on 25th August 1944 for his patriotic activities,” the update read.

 “Countless Indian Gorkhas have fought and made sacrifices for our beloved nation. From the freedom struggle to the heights of Kargil, Gorkhas have always been at the forefront in the defence of our country,” it stated, adding that Shaheed Durga Malla belonged to the front rank of Gorkha heroes martyred for the cause of our country’s freedom.

 “He (Major Durga Malla) epitomised the fighting spirit and ardent patriotism of Indian Gorkhas. 25th August, the day of his hanging is observed as Balidan Diwas, or Martyrs’ Day, by Gorkhas across India,” the update added.

It was informed in another update that the Gorkha Public Panchayat, Kohima (GPPK) along with other Gorkha NGOs and Gorkha defence ex-servicemen observed Balidan Diwas in memory of Saheed Major Durga Malla and Saheed Capt. Neikezhakuo Kenguruse and other martyrs at Gorkha Public Panchayat Hall, Chandmari, Kohima on Tuesday evening.

All the advisors of the GPPK and Gaon Bura Kamal Bahadur Chettri led the gathering by lighting of lamps along with GPPK president Santu Thapa, the update informed. The leaders of various Gorkha organisations in the state capital including the GB and ex-servicemen also paid rich floral tribute for the supreme sacrifice made by the gallant heroes at their portrait, it added.

The occasion was observed with minimal attendance in accordance with the SOP in view of the Covid-19.