Martyrs’ Day – 27th August, 2014

United-Naga-Council

27th August has been observed as “Martyrs’ Day” over the years by the Nagas in Manipur in respect and honour of the three volunteers/ students who were shot dead and those who were grievously wounded and succumbed to injuries on 27th August, 1948 when a contingent of the 4th Assam Rifles and Manipur State police opened fire on the Naga public at Mao Gate who were gathered to oppose the arrest of the leaders of the “No Tax Campaign”. The campaign was led by the Naga National League in 1948 wherein the Nagas in Manipur refused to pay the annual House Tax to the Government of Manipur and submitted the same to Charles Pawsey, D.C. of the then Naga Hills of Assam at Kohima. It was an act of defiance against the Authority of Manipur State, under which the Nagas 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.

This year, the Mao Council will be organizing the 66th Anniversary of Martyrs’ Day under the aegis of the United Naga Council at Mao Gate on the 27th August, 2014 at 1100 hours. The anniversary will be attended by Naga Tribe Councils, Naga Frontal and Regional Organisations and social leaders besides the general Naga public.

Vehicular traffic between 10 AM to 1PM on that day will not be possible on NH2 at Mao Gate section and the general public are therefore advised to adjust their travel plans accordingly.

Publicity Wing
United Naga Council