Members of the Jamitsü Ekhüng pose for a group photo following the inauguration of the monolith at Longla village in Wokha on June 5. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | June 5
A memorial monolith dedicated to the memory of legendary Lotha warrior Ranphan Jami was unveiled at Jonsü in Longla village of Nagaland's Wokha district on June 5 during a programme organised by Jamitsü Ekhüng.
The event was chaired by Jamitsü Ekhüng vice chairman E Nzanthung Jami. The monolith was dedicated by Rev A Khyolamo Jami, Senior Pastor of Purana Bazar Lotha Baptist Church, while the organisation's chairman, Y Motsuthung Jami (IFS Retd), formally unveiled the monument and read out the inscription commemorating Ranphan Jami's legendary feat of killing a tiger that had reportedly claimed the lives of nine women in a single day.
Speaking at the programme, Vanthungo, the owner of the land where the memorial stands, said the monument was erected with the consent and support of both his family and the Jami clan. He appealed to visitors to regard the site as a shared heritage and contribute towards preserving its surroundings.
Head GB of Longla Village Council, Phyonphyamo Nguliie, said the location had long been recognised as the burial site of Ranphan Jami and had served as an important landmark for hunters in earlier generations.
The claim was echoed by Thungsemo Ngullie, Head GB of Nrung Longidang Village Council, who described the site as the final resting place of the renowned warrior.
Representing the Longla Village Council, a council member commended the Jami clan for taking the initiative to protect and commemorate the historic site. He noted that earlier efforts by villagers to preserve the location had not materialised and expressed hope that the memorial would inspire future generations of the Lotha community.
Sharing family traditions and oral history associated with the warrior, 80-year-old Nrio Jami said the site had long been identified as the burial place of his ancestor, Ranphan Jami. He revealed that members of the clan had spent years researching and documenting the history surrounding the warrior and expressed satisfaction that their long-cherished aspiration had finally been realised.
According to Nrio Jami, the story of Ranphan Jami's bravery in slaying the tiger has been passed down through generations and remains deeply embedded in Lotha oral tradition. He acknowledged the support of the Jami family, Longla village and the land donor, describing the memorial as a collective achievement.
He also encouraged people to visit the site and learn about the historical legacy of the celebrated warrior.
