Early Life and Education
Tako Mra, often referred to as General Mra, was born in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, a region that has long been inhabited by the Tani people. He attended school in Sadiya, where he distinguished himself as an exceptional student, displaying early signs of leadership and intellect that would later define his legacy.
Political Career
Mra's courage and strategic acumen were most notably displayed during World War II. Serving in the British Indian Army, he led an infantry of soldiers into the fierce battlegrounds of Yangon. Despite the conflict leaving his left arm paralyzed, Mra's bravery and leadership earned him high honors from the British Army. His heroics during the Burma campaign cemented his reputation as a decorated war hero.
Alliance with Phizo & the NNC
After the war, Tako Mra's life took a significant turn when he met a young Naga escapee named Zapu Phizo in Burma. Phizo, who would later become a key figure in the Naga independence movement, saw in Mra a kindred spirit and a potential ally. He urged Mra to represent the Daflas and Abors, the Tani tribes, in the quest for a separate nation distinct from India for the hill tribes.
Campaign Against British and Indian Rule
Inspired by Phizo and driven by a deep concern for the cultural and political future of his people, Mra began to campaign vigorously against British rule. He wrote to the Viceroy of India, advocating for the exclusion of the hill tribes from the Indian Union and their establishment as a Crown Colony. His argument was rooted in the belief that the hill tribes had never been part of India and that their inclusion would threaten their unique identity and cultural heritage.
Support from Gandhi and Resistance to Indian Integration
In 1946, Mra received support from none other than Mahatma Gandhi, who acknowledged the desires of the hill tribes for self-determination. Gandhi advised Mra to lead his people in resisting British rule and to prepare for a future where they could govern themselves. Mra's resolve only strengthened when, in 1948, he wrote to Jawaharlal Nehru and the Indian National Congress, warning them against incorporating the NEFA (North-East Frontier Agency) hills into India.
Vision for a Unified Hill Tribe Nation
Mra envisioned a collective nation or at least an autonomous region for the hill tribes, free from the influence and control of mainland India. He foresaw the cultural erosion and loss of identity that could result from integration into India and sought to protect his people from becoming a marginalized minority. His commitment to this cause was evident when he warned the Chief Minister of Assam against encroaching into Tani areas.
Despite his efforts, Mra was ultimately betrayed by his own people; leading to his untimely death at the age of 28.
Legacy and Misrepresentation
Tako Mra's legacy is complex and often misunderstood. He was a highly educated and strategic leader, not the bloodthirsty chief some have portrayed him as. His primary goal was the unification of the Tani people and the preservation of their cultural heritage. His warnings about the cultural assimilation of the hill tribes into mainstream Indian society remain poignant and relevant.
Epilogue
Mra's fight against Indian integration was driven by a desire to protect his people's rights and identity. His efforts laid the groundwork for the protective measures, such as the Inner Line Permit (ILP), that continue to safeguard the interests of the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh. Tako Mra's story is one of courage, vision, and an unwavering commitment to his people's future.
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