ESSU commemorates 68th anniversary of first Indo-Naga battle

DIMAPUR — The Eastern Sumi Students’ Union (ESSU) on Sunday commemorated the 68th anniversary of the first Indo-Naga battle in Hoshepu town, which began with a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs.

According to a press release, Ghokiho Zhimomi, president of Aghunato Area Kukami Hoho, was the special guest of the programme, and in his speech, he talked about the significance of the day and emphasised the roles of student organisations.

He said that the first Indo-Naga battle was not only an event for the Hoshepu area or the people of Aghunato, but it was also an event for the Nagas in their freedom movement. On the occasion, Zhimomi also narrated the events and how he escaped from the Indian invasion on the afternoon of September 10, 1955.

He stated that Nagas must continue to proclaim and tell the stories of the battle to younger generations because many of those who participated and lived through the battle have died. He urged other organisations to actively participate in preserving history.

Zhekuto Zhimomi, GB, gave a brief history of the 1955 battle, highlighting facts about the battle and the unique history of the Aghunato area. He mentioned that it was once under the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA), was known as ‘free Nagas,’ and was never part of the Indian map.

Ghuvika Yeptho, president of the ESSU, said in his address that it was a significant event in the freedom movement of the Nagas. He said that Nagas have a history, and it is their responsibility to keep that history alive.

Noting that 68 years have passed, yet the majority of Sumis and Nagas in general are still unaware of the battle, he reasoned that it is so because they did not try to tell others.

He called on the frontal organisations and every individual to participate in the common observation in the upcoming years and added that if people don’t give importance to history, they will forever lose their identity.

Vihuli Yeptho, president of Aghunato Area Sumi Totomi Hoho, in her greetings, appreciated the initiative of ESSU to keep history alive and encouraged the frontal organisations to continue their efforts towards the same.

Leaders from various walks of life, as well as concerned citizens from the Aghunato area, also attended the event.

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