A propeller from a World War II aircraft remains preserved at Mungya village. (Morung Photo)
The relic remains preserved in Mungya village
Morung Express News
Wokha | June 8
A World War II aircraft propeller, believed to be from a crashed Japanese warplane, has been preserved for decades in Mungya village under Nagaland’s Wokha district, along with a fascinating oral history passed down through generations.
According to villagers, the propeller was retrieved from a site called Ekhokjü in Wokha, where a Japanese aircraft had crashed during the Second World War. The relic later served a unique purpose, it was used as a church bell for many years, as the village lacked one at the time.
The discovery was made by late Khontsemo Ezung, then a Class 6 student, who had gone to the area to catch birds. Upon finding parts of the crashed aircraft, he returned to the village and informed his friends, said Mhonbemo Ngullie, Head GB of Mungya village.
Subsequently, a group of six to seven villagers accompanied Ezung back to the crash site to collect the remains. However, by the time they reached the location, many of the aircraft parts had already been taken away by others, leaving only the propeller behind.
With no vehicle facilities available in those days, the group carried the propeller on foot all the way to Mungya village. The artefact was then installed in place of a church bell and served that role for many years, becoming an integral part of community life.
Among those who participated in the mission to bring the propeller to the village, only one person is still alive today.
The propeller continues to be preserved at Mungya as a historical reminder of the Second World War and the efforts of the villagers who transported it home.
