SENAPATI: The Mao Council on Thursday observed the 79th Naga Martyrs’ Day at Mao Island under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC), commemorating the Naga martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the anti-tax movement at Mao Gate on August 27, 1948.
The programme included a prayer, brief speeches, laying of wreaths and a one-minute silence in remembrance of the martyrs and all those who suffered during the movement.
The programme was attended by UNC President Ng. Lorho and his team, President Naga Women Union and her team, Mao Naga Women Welfare Association (MNWWA) and her team, leaders of various Naga tribe hohos, religious leaders, martyrs’ families and relatives and well-wishers.
Speaking on the occasion, Mao Council President N. Athikho Joseph recalled the history of the anti-tax movement, which was spearheaded by Athikho Daihrii Mao, then President, and N. Modoli, General Secretary of the Naga National League.
The No-Tax Campaign was launched as an expression of opposition to taxation imposed by the Manipur government. As part of the campaign, Athikho Daihrii Mao and N. Modoli, along with other Naga leaders, were arrested by combined forces of the Manipur Police and Assam Rifles.
When news of the arrest reached the public, people responded through a democratic protest demonstration on the streets. However, the protest at Mao Gate on August 27, 1948, was met with indiscriminate firing by the Assam Rifles, resulting in three persons being killed on the spot.
The three who were killed on the spot were Asosii Hepuni of Punanamei village, Mahrili Lohrii of Kalinamei village and Modo Kholi of Kalinamei village. They were identified as volunteers and students.
Several others were injured during the protest. The injured included Daikho Hesho of Chawang/Chaiwangamai Khullen, Obu Adani of Punanamei, Kaisii Mathibo of Punanamei and Obu Ashiho of Punanamei. They sustained injuries from bullets, rifle butts, lathis and physical assault by the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police. Some later succumbed to their injuries.
The Mao Council said the sacrifices of the martyrs and those who later died from their injuries remain an important part of Naga history. Athikho Daihrii Mao and N. Modoli were subsequently imprisoned at Dum Dum Central Jail, Calcutta, in connection with the movement.
The tragic events of August 27, 1948, have since been commemorated annually as Naga Martyrs’ Day.
Addressing the gathering, UNC President Ng. Lorho said the sacrifices made during the anti-tax movement established an important chapter in the Naga people’s struggle for self-determination.
“Their blood, tears and vision for the Nagas should never be forgotten down in the line of history, because that is the foundation of who we are and everything we hope to be,” Lorho said.
He said the anti-tax movement was not merely about refusing to pay taxes but represented opposition to policies that the Naga people viewed as undermining their traditional customs, autonomy and established system of self-governance.
Lorho also referred to the present Naga-Kuki conflict, alleging attacks, ambushes, killings, burning of houses and abductions of Naga civilians. He warned that the continuing conflict could result in further displacement, destruction of infrastructure and serious humanitarian suffering.
Referring specifically to the recent violence at Taphou, Lorho alleged that a Kuki house was deliberately burnt and that the incident was subsequently used as a pretext to target Naga houses.
“With what appears to be a deliberate plan, they allegedly burned their own house recently at Kuki Taphou and then made allegations against the Nagas, using the incident as a pretext and burned Naga houses,” he said.
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The UNC president said the immediate circumstances of the present conflict should not distract from what he described as its underlying political issues.
He also called on the Naga people to remain united amid the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks and the present conflict.
“The Nagas must never compromise or surrender their rights, identity, or aspirations,” Lorho said.
He urged the people to remember the sacrifices of the martyrs and carry forward their aspirations through unity, cooperation and mutual understanding.
As part of the observance, the Mao Council also extended financial assistance to the families of the martyrs and victims, acknowledging their sacrifices and the suffering endured by their families.
