Leaders give unity call at Naga Martyrs' Day observance
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, August 27 2021: Rich floral tributes were paid to the martyrs on the occasion of 73rd anniversary of Naga Martyrs' Day organised by Mao Council under the aegis of United Naga Council (UNC) at Mao Gate here on Friday.

The three martyrs were reportedly shot dead on the spot by the Assam Rifles when they were only exercising their democratic rights against the despotic and autocratic high handedness of the government.

In his keynote address, Mao Council president Dr Saheni Loli stated that in 1948 on this day, "No House Tax Campaign" was organised by Naga National League, spearheaded by A Daiho (Mao) as the president and N Modoli (Poumai) as secretary against the Manipur Maharaja.

"People on this day deeply mourn the sad loss of such patriots and brave hearts and those who succumbed to bullet injuries for the nation.

On the other side of the coin, the Nagas are proud for the ultimate sacrifices they had made for the nation and keeping the history alive till date," he said.

The president honoured the three innocent unarmed civilians who laid down their lives.

The three deceased were identified as Asiisii Hepuni of Punanamei village, Modo Kholi of Kalinamei village and Mahriili Lohrii of Kalinamei village.

Four others succumbed to bullet injuries.

A one-minute silence was observed by the entire congregation in honour of the departed souls.

The president asserted that the Mao Nagas have the spirit of patriotism for the nation since time immemorial and the same spirit is still flowing in the blood of every Mao Naga like any other Naga brothers and sisters.

He then urged the gathering to come together in love as one family and fight together till an honourable solution is brought.

The president then declared that Mao Council had passed a strong resolution that the Mao people would give their mandate to the collective leadership of NSCN-IM for political negotiation and settlement, adding that the standing resolution was re-endorsed in their last general assembly held on August 6, 2021.Rev Puni Mao, member Collective Leadership, in his speech, urged all to be righteous if one wants to be a good leader.

While urging everyone to study properly, he stated that when a leader is corrupted, automatically, people will mourn in any organisation set up.

Regarding the ongoing peace process between the Govt of India and NSCN-IM, he said that unique history of the Nagas has been recognised realising military power cannot solve the Naga problem.

One of the greatest achievements till date is the signing of the Framework Agreement for "Shared sovereignty and peaceful co-existence between the two entities," he maintained.

Elu Nang, general secretary Naga Hoho, in his solidarity message lauded the leadership of UNC and their units for being steadfast and firm in their support to the cause of Naga people.

The Naga Hoho leader questioned why Naga political dialogue got stuck.

While regretting the propagandas and lies being spread among the Nagas, he urged all not to try to mislead one another, adding that differences in the society need to be sorted out on the table.

Timikha Koza, president Tenyimi People's Organization (TPO), stated that active dialogue between the northern Nagas and the southern Nagas in the early 1940s had brought the Nagas together.

Post declaration of Naga Independence on August 14, 1947 and after signing of the 9-Point Agreement, nothing happened to let people decide under the aegis of the Naga National League.

People decided not to pay taxes to the government of Manipur but all house taxes of the Nagas to be paid to deputy commissioner of Naga Hill District in Assam.

Governments of India and Manipur did not like it and turned their guns towards the Naga people and their leaders.

Siipunii Ng Philo, general secretary Naga Students Federation (NSF), said, "The journey as a people has been a challenge.

The Naga youth and students shall remain ever indebted to the martyrs for their supreme sacrifices and shall continue to honour them through the pages of history.

Aspirations and hopes of the people are renewed once again with a strengthened sense of direction of hope by their sacrifices.

Their blood, shed in tears shall continue to inspire generations to come in the temple of memories.

The Naga people in the entire region eagerly await an outcome based on promises of a solution made by the Prime Minister of India and agreement that honours the historical and political rights of the Naga people and restores the pride of the Naga without compromising their future".

While All Naga Students' Association and Manipur (ANSAM) general secretary AC Thotso and Naga Women's Union president Asha Wungnam called upon the Nagas to remain united till attainment of the goal, UNC president Kho John said the day is being observed as Naga Martyr's Day in remembrance of the departed souls and pay respect and honour to them.

He also urged for involvement of the masses, support, prayer support, moral support and physical support to bring an honourable solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political problem.

Solidarity messages were shared by Naga People's Organization (NPO), Senapati District Students' Association and Naga People's Movement for Human Rights.

Other church leaders and village leaders of the Mao community apart from apex CSOs also attended the event.

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