Sonada (Kurseong), June 25: Leaders of the Citu’s Darjeeling district today gathered at the Margaret’s Hope tea garden here to pay homage to the six workers killed in police firing in 1955.

Jitman Tamang (57), Padamlal Kami (25), Moulishova Raini (22), Kancha Sunwar (18), Amritrai Kamini (17) and Kala Subba (14) were killed when police opened fire on a procession at the garden. The workers were demanding better wages and other statutory benefits. The incident had triggered a major movement in the tea gardens and prompted the government to sit up and take notice of the workers’ problems.

To commemorate the incident, the Citu today brought out a rally at the garden, 20 km from Kurseong town. Senior CPM leaders Jibitesh Sarkar, S.P. Lepcha, K.B.Watter, Anil Saha and Ananda Pathak took part in the rally. The procession started near the petrol pump here and ended at the community hall where the leaders paid homage to the workers. Their family members were also honoured at the programme with khadas (silk scarves) and shawls.

“On this day in 1955 these labourers were killed in police firing. Along with them, 14 other workers were seriously injured. But their contribution did not go in vain. After their courageous act the workers started getting benefits like pension, gratuity, and increase in wages,” said Pathak who had witnessed the agitation in 1955. “We appeal to the labourers that they should remember the sacrifice made by the six workers and follow their example.”