Thousands of people gather at Mao Gate on August 27 to honour Naga martyrs who were killed while enforcing the ‘No Tax campaign’ fifty eight years ago on this day. (MExPix)
Chizokho Vero
August 27
MAO GATE (MExN): Several thousands of Nagas cutting across geographical boundaries today offered rich tributes to those who suffered and sacrificed their lives for the integration of Nagas. Fifty eight years ago on this day, five Naga volunteers were shot dead while enforcing the ‘No Tax campaign’ which had been launched by the Nagas in Manipur in 1948 in protest against the annual house tax imposed on the Nagas by the Manipur Government when Maharaja Kumar Priyobrata Singh was the Chief Minister.
The Manipur Government in response approved and dispatched a contingent of the 4th Assam Rifles along with the Manipur State Police to Mao Gate on August 27 1948 to suppress this noncompliance from the Nagas. The 4th Assam rifles and the police then proceeded to fire upon the volunteers and student activists stationed at Mao Gate enforcing the blockade. The indiscriminate firing resulted in the death of five Naga volunteers while many supporters including women and children sustained severe injuries.
Taking part in the Martyrs Day held under the aegis of United Naga Council (UNC), the Nagas of Manipur reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen the cause for the integration of the Nagas to live together as one people. UNC President M. Puni said the occasion provided a ground to reaffirm and to strive towards realizing the aspiration of living together as one people. Puni also said the council looked forward towards a peaceful, honorable and lasting solution to the Naga issue. The UNC was committed to the ongoing peace process, he said adding that ‘we need to strive until our goal is achieved’.
Attending the function as the Chief Guest, Naga Hoho Vice-President Keviletuo Kiewhuo said many agreements and accords that emerged relating to the Naga political issue were “only a bunch of papers” that brought no solution. “The problem persists because many accords and agreements were not done with the consent of all the Naga people”, he said. He stressed on the need to re-dedicate and rise up to enhance the peace process. He also encouraged the people not to feel disheartened on the territories that have been divided “but one should take it as a challenge.” Saying that rumors created division, he emphasized on the need to strive to have better understanding, adding “We are one. We are one family.” Referring to the martyrs, he said they were not only the heroes of a particular clan or tribe but they were the idols of all Nagas who still fight and aspire to be a nation. Pointing out that tremendous progress had been made in the ongoing peace process, the Naga Hoho Vice-President asked the people not to feel discouraged but to be patient and move forward all the while helping to strengthen the peace progress so that the aspiration of the Nagas is achieved. He also called upon the Naga MPs and MLAs to come forward and play an effective role reiterating on the Naga people’s desire to be integrated and not to live under the dominance of other community.
“We are one. Nothing can divide us”, the Vice President declared referring to the forthcoming integration rally at Kohima, while strongly asserting that there was no going back for the Nagas now. He said that in spite of different political backgrounds and different professions, the Nagas were one. Kaisu Mathibo, a surviving volunteer of the “No Tax Campaign in 1948,” in his speech urged the Nagas to be united and work for the integration of the Naga people. He hoped that the dream he nurtured would be fulfilled during his life time. Naga Hoho Speaker HK Zhimomi termed the act of the martyrs as “honorable and praiseworthy and said that it would remain an undying legacy of the Nagas. Meanwhile, the President Naga People Organization has made it mandatory for each and everyone within Senapati district to attend the Integration Rally at Kohima on August 31. “Everyone must go if you want peace,” he said. Apart from others, the Martyrs Day painting exhibition also marked the daylong function.
