Dimapur, August 30 (MExN): The 63rd Naga Martyrs’ Day (Naga Unification Day) was observed at Mao Gate Town Hall on August 27 last after paying floral tribute and laying of wreaths to the three students who laid down their lives at the Island, Mao Gate. A minute silent in honour of the martyr was also observed.
A release issued by H. Chakho, Secretary Program Committee stated that O Lohrü, President Mao Council lauded the exemplary selfless sacrifice made by the former leaders and students who laid down their lives in defending the Naga cause and rights. He also termed "Mao Gate as a historic place of sacrifices" from August 27, 1948 to May 6, 2010 and stressed that their sacrifices should be honoured and recorded.
Sword Vashum, Convenor Alternative arrangement Committee in his addressed spoke on the uniqueness and separateness of the Nagas and our rights and urged the people to uplift the motive. “The will of the people is not a crime against the law. Our past leaders have done what they should do and we’ve been led by unseen hand of God and not by our own capabilities. We should honour the rights of the people and strife it physically not only in words”, he added.
In 1948, three students late Asosü Hepuni of Punanamei, late Mahrüli Lohrü of Kalinamei and late Modo Kholi of Kalinamei were "brutally shot death" by the Indian security forces while several others were injured while they were defending the rights of the Naga people. The day was observed every year as Martyrs’ Day until 2005 when the UNC declared the day as Naga Unification Day. This year, the UNC endorsed the Mao Council to organize the day, the note said.
Meanwhile, on the occasion, all educational institutions in Mao area were closed while the entire Mao villages observed "gena and abstain from any farming activities". Representatives from UNC, ANSAM, SDSA, NPO, Maram Union, Alternative arrangement committee, social workers and other leaders attended the programme, informed the note.
