Stage set for 'martyrs' day' observance
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, August 24 2013 : The observation of the 65th Anniversary of the 'Martyrs' Day' will be organised by the Mao Council under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC) at Mao Gate on August 27 at 11 am.

According to the concept paper on the matter, in September 1946, the Naga National League (NNL) was organized to consolidate the Nagas of Manipur in order to bring together the Naga people separated by colonial boundaries.

"The Nagas of Manipur were independent of the Manipur Raja before the advent of the British.

Even after the British came, they were administered by the political department of the British Crown.

The Manipur Raja and his darbar administered only the valley area till August 15, 1947.After that day, when the paramountcy was transferred to the Maharaja of Manipur without the consent of the hill people, the NNL stated the Nagas of Manipur will not remain with the Meiteis since the latter had never conquered the Nagas and declared that it would be impossible for the Nagas to preserve the best of their culture, tradition, customary laws and political practices should the Naga people and their land be split up and placed under different influence and politics," the concept paper issued by United Naga Council (UNC) stated.

It then said the NNL expressed their strong desire to merge with the Naga Hills District of Assam through the BOYCOTT of the preparation of electoral rolls in Naga areas.

The first General Election under the Manipur State Constitution Act 1947 was held in June 1948.The Nagas in Manipur boycotted the election.

"They thereafter, launched the "NO TAX CAMPAIGN" when Maharaj Kumar Priyobrata Singh was the Chief Minister of Manipur.

The Campaign was spearheaded by Mr..ADaiho(Mao) and Mr..NModoli(Poumai), President and Secretary respectively of the NNL.

The Nagas in Manipur refused to pay the annual House Tax to the Government of Manipur and instead submitted their annual house tax to Charles Pawsey, D.C.of Naga hills of Assam at Kohima," it added.

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