Mamata Banerjee pays 'heartfelt' tribute to 'martyrs killed during Left rule'

In a tweet, she wrote: "Today is the historic #21JulyShahidDibas. On this day, 26 years ago, 13 youth workers were killed in police firing. Since then, we observe this day as #ShahidDibas. My heartfelt tribute to all the martyrs who were killed during the 34 years of Left rule."

She said the movement started with a demand to 'restore democracy' and this year too she will voice for the same cause and will give a call for the return of ballots in voting instead of EVM machines.

"The main demand of the protest on #21stJuly 1993 was ‘No ID Card, No Vote’. This year, we have given a call for ‘Restore Democracy. No Machines, Bring Ballots Back’. Let us pledge to fight for the restoration of democracy in our great nation #21JulyShahidDibas," she posted.

On this day in 1993, 13 TMC party workers lost their lives during a rally on Mayo Road, Kolkata, after the police opened fire on them.

They were marching to Writers’ Buildings, led by Mamata Banerjee, then a firebrand Opposition leader, demanding that the voters’ identity card be made the only valid document to verify voters. Writers’ Buildings was then the state secretariat.

To commemorate the martyrdom of the 13 political activists, along with other martyrs who were killed during the Left Front rule, lakhs of people converge in Kolkata every year from all the districts for the public meeting at Esplanade.

This year too, lakhs of party supporters have been put up by the party at various places in the city. They have been accommodated in places like the Geetanjali Stadium, Uttirno and various places in Kolkata, where local leaders and party workers are looking after them.

Camps have been set up at various places across the city to provide assistance to people.

Commemorative gates have also been put up at important intersections. Proper fire safety arrangements have been made, as well as arrangements for drinking water and medical emergencies.

Image Credit: AITC Facebook