KANGPOKPI, August 27: The 65th anniversary of Martyrs` Day was organized by the Mao Council under the aegis of United Naga Council at Mao Gate today to honour those killed and wounded on August 27, 1948.
August 27 is marked as the Martyrs` Day in the history of the Nagas in Manipur to honour all the volunteers/students of Mao-Maram Tribal Council (now Mao, Maram, Poumai, Thangal and Zeliang) who were killed and grievously wounded in the indiscriminate firing by the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police while people were blocking the road leading to the residence of A Daiho, president of the Naga National League who spearheaded the “No Tax Campaign” on August 27, 1948 at Mao.
The observation was attended by United Naga Council, NPO, ANSAM, ZYF, CNPO, Mao Council, Mao Naga Women`s Welfare Association, NPMHR, 10 Naga Tribes Councils, Naga frontal and regional organizations, social leaders besides general public.
Naga People Movement for Human Rights and ANSAM gave the day soliditary message while president UNC delivered the Martyrs` Day message.
In his message, L Adani, president United Naga Council delivered that, after Nagas in Manipur boycotted the first general election under the Manipur state Constitution Act 1947 held on June 1948, launched the “No Tax Campaign” spearheaded by A Daiho(Mao) and N Modoli (Poumai) as president and secretary of the NNL respectively when Maharaj Kumar Priyobrata Singh was the Chief Minister of Manipur.
The three who died on the spot were Asiisii Hepuni of Punanamei(Volunteer), Mahriili Lohrii of Kalinamei and Modo Kholi of the same village(both student) while Daikho Hesho of Chowainamei Khullen and Obow Adani of Punanamei were injured.
“The Martyrs` Day is dedicated to them for their ultimate sacrifice for the integration of all Nagas,” noted the UNC president.