A programme to commemorate the 72nd Martyrs Day was organized by the Mao Council under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC) at Mao Gate on August 27. (NNN Photo)
Newmai News Network
Senapati | August 27
The 72nd anniversary of Martyrs' Day was organized by Mao Council under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC) on August 27 at Song Song Youth Club Hall in Mao Gate.
The programme was organised to honour Asusu Hepuni of Punanamei, Mahruli Lohru and Modo Kholi, both of Kalinamei who were shot dead and Daikho Hesho of Chowainamai Khullen and Obow Adani of Punanamei who were grievously wounded and later succumbed to bullet injuries from the indiscriminate firings of the security forces on August 27, 1948.
The UNC solidarity message was delivered by Athili who is the Finance secretary of the Naga body.
TheUNC said that the incident has become a landmark in the history of political movement of the Nagas.
It stated that the observation is in memory and honor of those who suffered and made the ultimate sacrifice for the integration of all Nagas during the "No-Tax campaign".
The “No tax campaign” was launched when Maharaj Kumar Priyobrata Singh was the Chief Minister of Manipur. The Nagas in Manipur refused to pay the annual House Tax to the Government of Manipur and under the aegis of the Naga National League (NNL) submitted their annual house tax to Charles Pawsey, DC of Naga Hills of Assam at Kohima, the UNC said.
"It was an act of defiance against the Authority of the State, under which the Nagas in the state of Manipur had been placed without their consent. It was also a means of putting pressure on the Indian Government for securing the merger of the Nagas in Manipur with the Naga Hills district," the UNC added.
Several organizations including the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women Union (NWU) and several other organizations also attended the programme.
