FGN commemorates Naga National Martyrs’ Day’

Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 18

The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) today commemorated “Naga National Martyrs’ Day’ under the theme “Lest We Forget” at Chedema Peace Camp, Chedema near Kohima.

The occasion witnessed laying of wreath at the respective villages and towns and observed two minutes of silence as symbolic act of remembrance of the martyrs.

Naga National Martyrs’ Day was observed to pay solemn tribute and to honour the martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives to defend “our land, our freedom, our history, our ways of life and the dignity of our people.”

The Day marks the death anniversary of Zasibito Nagi of Jotsoma who was assassinated on this day in 1952. The day is observed to honour Zasibito and all other martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Naga struggle.

The Naga National Martyrs' Day was also a day of reflection, a commitment to remember, a reminder of God's faithfulness, and a call to the task “that lies before us to ensure that the valour, sufferings, and sacrifices of our martyrs inspire us to transcend our differences’, the FGN stated.

Addressing the gathering at Chedema Peace Camp, Kezha Angami,  the newly elected Kedahge (President) of the FGN said “ We once again gather to remember and pay our respects and homage to our Martyrs who gave their lives so selflessly so that we may live with our heads held high as a People and Nation free and Sovereign.”

In our struggle against aggression by our neighbor, India, Zasibito Nagi of Jotsoma Village was the first to be martyred, but he was not to journey alone as many men and women both young and old stood up to make the journey into the afterlife so that we could make sense of our existence as a nation in this life in spite of our size, shape or form, he said.

The FGN president said that every Region and every nook and corner of Nagaland has its share of such martyrs whose blood has seeped deep into the very soil of our Country and has nurtured our sense of service and patriotism for our Nation.

As we remember their sacrifice of life and blood, we must also remember that it was not just their death but the life that they have lived for our nation, he said.

They have live and died on the same ground that we live, till and build today, he said and hoped that “we harvest oneness, patriotism and a sense of truth and purpose for the foothprints and blood of our martyrs have enchriched the very soul and soil of our country.”

“Today we can honour them by choosing to plant the seeds of oneness, patriotism, truth and courage to move ahead towards building a greater tomorrow. Let us all pledge to keep their legacy alive lest we forget our way home as a People and Nation,” FGN Kegahge added.

A talk on “Legacy of Zasibito Nagi” was delivered by Neingusie Nagi on behalf of family and clansmen, “Remembering the Sacrificial Death of Pelesato Chase” by Dr. Jalhutsii Chase on behalf of family and clansmen, “ Huker, 24th March 1955: From the Theatre of the Indo-Naga War” by  A. Akum Yimkhiung President, Yimkhiung Union Kohima, “Massacre at Settsii, 16th June 1956” by Dr. Longpuremen Jamir, President, Settsii Senso Telongjem, Kohima, “ Mangmetong: From the Horrors of Grouping under the Indian Armed Forces” by Moa Emchen, “Matikhrii Massacre, 6th September 1960”  by Sachutho Pojar, General Secretary, Pochury Hoho Western Nagaland, “A Time for Everything” by Kuholi Chishi Associate Pastor Women, Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima and “The Helper of Israel”' by Johnny Rozhemai, Youth Director Poumai Baptist Church Kohima.

Prayer for the Nation led by Rev. Vikuo Rhi, Pastor, Chakhesang Baptist Church, Kohima

The programme was led by Yapangnaro Longkumer and started with Bible reading & opening prayer by Rev. Noksa Chiu, Secretary, Finance & Property, Nagaland Baptist Church Council

The Choir of Chakhesang Baptist Church, Kohima presented a special number while closing prayer was pronounced by Fr. Matthew Mhabemo Parish Priest, St Francis de Sales Church, Kohima Town.