Rich tributes paid on Naga Martyrs' Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, August 27 2021:
Rich tributes were paid on the 73rd anniversary of Naga Martyrs' Day at Mao Gate, Senapati district, organised by the Mao Council under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC) .
The 3 martyrs were reportedly shot dead on the spot by Assam Rifles while protesting againstthe policies of the Government.
In his keynote address, Dr Saheni Loli, president, Mao Council stated that in 1948 on this day, "No House Tax Campaign" was organised by the Naga National League, spearheaded by A Daiho (Mao) as the president, N.Modoli (Poumai), as secretary against the Manipur Maharaja.
The 3 late men are Asiisii Hepuni of Punanamei village, Modo Kholi, Kalinamei village and Mahriili Lohrii, Kalinamei village.
Four others later succumbed to bullet injuries.
A one minute silence was observed in honour of the departed souls.
Dr Loli asserted that the Mao Naga people have the spirit of patriotism 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 urged the gathering to come together in love as one family and fight together till an honourable solution is brought.
"The Mao people fully support the Framework Agreement signed between the negotiating groups and pray for early solutions without further delay" he concluded.
Rev Puni Mao, member, Collective Leadership in his speech urged all to be righteous if one wants to be a good leader.
On August 27 in 1948, the first blood was spilt at Mao Gate in a move against paying house tax to the then Maharaja of Manipur in which 3 civilians were killed on the spot and many others injured, he said.
Regarding the ongoing peace process between the Govt of India and NSCN (IM), he said that the 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".
Elu Nang, general secretary, Naga Hoho in his solidarity message stated that if the martyrs had not shed their blood, sacrificed their lives, people may not be in this position today.
The elders knew that Nagas were not Indians, never been Indians and will not be Indians and this made them lay down their lives on this day in 1948 for the future generations.
The Naga Hoho leader also questioned why the Naga political dialogue has not picked up pace and urged all to stop propagandas and not try to mislead one another.
Timikha Koza, president, Tenyimi People's Organization (TPO) in his speech stated that active dialogue between the northern Nagas and the southern Nagas in the early 1940s had brought the Nagas together.
Recalling the genesis of the day, he said that the Naga people decided not to pay taxes to the Govt of Manipur and resolved to pay all house tax of the Nagas to the Deputy Commissioner of Naga hills district in Assam.
Govt of India and Govt of Manipur did not like it and turned their guns towards the Naga people and their leaders.
The security personnel fired on the innocent civilians killing 3 and injuring many, he recalled.
Siipunii Ng Philo, general secretary, Naga Students Federation (NSF) stated that 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.
AC Thotso, general secretary, All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) paid respect and love to the families of the martyrs.
ANSAM also extended gratitude to the Mao community for the immense contribution to the Naga movement.
Asha Wungnam, president, Naga Women's Union (NWU) in her speech urged all to respect and honour the supreme sacrifices made on this day for the cause of the nation.
Their contribution and services shall always be remembered, she mentioned.
Kho John, president, UNC called the day a great landmark for the Nagas and in the history of the Naga political movement particularly of the south Nagas.
The event took place during the most critical time in the Naga political history which took place in Delhi and Mao Gate simultaneously, he noted.
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