Rich tributes paid to Naga martyrs
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, August 27 2024: Rich tributes were paid to Naga martyrs at the 76th Naga Martyrs Day observed today at Mao Gate.

Wreaths were laid at the Mao Gate monolith in honour of the martyrs by leaders of the Naga Hoho, United Naga Council, Naga Students Federation, Naga Mothers Association, Naga Women's Union, All Naga Students Association, Manipur, Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (South), Tenyime People's Organization, Naga People Organization, Senapati District Students Association, Senapati District Women's Association, Mao Council, Mao National Workers, Mao Students Union, Mao Naga Women's Welfare Association, Kalinamei Village Authority and Punanamei Village Authority.

Rich tributes paid to Naga martyrs

N Athikho, president, Mao Council in his keynote address stated that the Naga National League was formed in February 1946 to organize and unite the Nagas of Manipur with the other Nagas who were separated by the colonial boundary.

The Naga National League expressed their strong desires to merge with the Naga Hills District of Assam.

As a result of this, the preparation of the electoral roll in the Naga areas and the election to the first legislative Assembly of Manipur were boycotted by the Nagas of Manipur.

Thereafter, a "No tax campaign "was launched by the Naga National League when Maharaj Kumar Priyobrata Singh was the Chief Minister.

The campaign was spearheaded by A Daiho Mao, president and N Modoli Poumai, general secretary respectively of the Naga National League.

Under the same campaign, the Nagas of Manipur refused to pay annual House Tax to the Govt.of Manipur and instead submitted the same (annual house tax) to the DC (Charles Pawsey) of Naga Hills of Assam at Kohima.

Consequently, A Daiho and N Modoli were arrested by the combined force of the Manipur Police and Assam Rifles.

The protesters against the arrest were indiscriminately fired on by the Assam Rifles in which three persons were killed on the spot and four others received grievous bullet injuries on August 27, 1948, Athikho said.

In his solidarity message, UNC president Ng Lorho said that the three martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the Naga people are still remembered till date and their legacy and the political aspirations they implanted will live on in the hearts of the Naga people.

The anti-tax movement launched by the Naga people was a significant manifestation of their discontent and opposition to the alleged repressive tax measures imposed by the Manipur Government.

The act of not paying taxes represents not just a financial defiance but also a more general opposition to Government policies, he said.

The UNC president mentioned that the campaign had significant ramifications since it showed how the Naga people were becoming more and more dissatisfied and willing to use civil disobedience to stand up for their rights and secure the Nagas in Manipur, to merge with the Naga Hills District at that time.

The UNC president also urged the Govt of India to show its political will and commitment to resolve the Naga political issue logically and peacefully.

Naga Hoho president Sulanthang Humtsoe stressed the need for unity.

He also appealed for peace and unity among the Nagas in order to move forward.

A one minute silent prayer was also held in honour of the martyrs.

Padma Shree awardee, Guru Reuben Mashangva presented a beautiful song during the programme.