Kohima battle it out for WWII peace rally’s top prize

Dimapur, Dec. 6 (EMN): It was a throwback to the days when Winchester rifles, trench coats and khaki dominated the world. Or at least the armies that fought in the War. Thankfully, this one was peaceful and just a depiction. The charming World War II Peace Rally organised by the Nagaland Adventure & Motor Sports Association (Namsa) commemorated the Battle of Kohima, on Dec. 6.

The chief minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio was at the prize distribution ceremony as the special invitee. He expressed happiness to be part of the rally. He said that the main objective of the WW II Peace Rally is to promote peace in the region and to convey to the people of other regions that ‘we love peace and tranquillity in our land,’ the DIPR reported on Thursday.

‘The WW II peace rally, held as an annual event coinciding with the Hornbill Festival every year, recalls the Second World War, which we all know was the most ferocious a battle of which also took place in our land,’ the DIPR quoted the chief minister as having said. He appealed to the participants to continue participating in the years to come to promote peace in the country. He urged participants coming from outside the state to join hands with the organising association to promote the WW II Peace Rally across the globe.

The advisor to the Namsa, also advisor to the chief minister, Abu Metha thanked the participants some of who came from different parts of the state and regions of the country. He said the the WWII Peace Rally was the brainchild of the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who held a vision to spread the message of peace and love.

Also, Metha said that the British Museum in England rated the Battle of Kohima the most significant battle ever fought by the allied forces in the last century.

Local music and business personality Theja Meru was the master of ceremony at the prize distribution ceremony. The Assam Rifles performed a band display while the rally’s parade commander, Moa Longkumer gave the ‘battle report,’ the DIPR reported.

The prize for the Most Original Vehicle was won by a jeep, simply identified as Jeep no.2, from Dimapur. The prize was INR 1, 50,000. The prize for the best maintained vehicle was won by ‘Jeep no. 3’ from Meghalaya. It won INR 70,000. The Best Ladies Squad was won by ‘Jeep no. 5,’ and pocketed Rs. 30,000. The prize for the Best Uniformed Squad was won by Jeep no. 3 from Meghalaya, which pocketed INR 30,000. The Best Weaponry Team prize was won by ‘Jeep no. 6,’ winning a cash prize of Rs.20,000.  The Best Tourism Promotional Team prize was won by ‘Jeep no. 8’ from Myanmar, which won INR 20,000 as the prize. The Best Disciplined Squad prize was won by ‘Jeep no. 7.’ It won INR 20,000. The Best Scout of the Day prize was won by ‘Jeep no. 4’ from Jowai. It pocketed INR 10,000. The prize for Most Promising Team was won by ‘Jeep no. 1’ from Kohima. It won INR 10,000.

A total 12 Jeeps with four participants from each vehicle participated in the WW II Peace Rally, the DIPR added.