NSF calls for Naga-focused documentation of the 1955 Hoshepu battle, urging preservation of the historic site for future generations
Federation seeks time to examine records; speakers urge preservation of 1955 battlefield
DIMAPUR — The 1955 Hoshepu battle should be documented from a Naga perspective, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) said on September 10, even as it sought more time to examine historical records before making any definitive declaration about the conflict.
NSF president Mteisuding Heraang was speaking at the 71st anniversary of the First Indo-Naga Battle, organised by the All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) and hosted by the Hoshepu Range Public Organisation at the Hoshepu ADM EAC headquarters.
According to a press release issued by the organisers, Heraang said that the confrontation at Hoshepu was more than a military encounter, describing it as part of the political journey that shaped the Naga movement. He paid tribute to those who lost their lives and called on the people of Hoshepu and the Sümi community to protect the site and keep its history alive.
He also advocated the use of “Naga-Indo Battle” instead of “Indo-Naga Battle”, saying the terminology should reflect the Naga perspective. According to Heraang, the NSF has adopted a resolution to use “Naga-Indo” when referring to the Naga-India political talks as well.
At the same time, he asked for time to study records relating to the Hoshepu battle before the federation makes any formal historical recognition or declaration. He said the exercise was being undertaken “with sincerity and transparency”.
Heraang stressed that Hoshepu’s history should not be confined to a single village or community, but understood in the broader context of the Naga people’s political history.
Sümi Hoho president Dr. Vihuto Asümi said Hoshepu was not simply a geographical location but an important chapter in Naga history.
According to the historical account presented at the programme, the first bloodshed associated with the Naga political struggle took place at Huker village on March 24, 1955. This was followed by a seven-day confrontation at Hoshepu from September 4 to 10, described by speakers as the first full-fledged and organised military battle between the Indian Army and the Naga Army.
Asümi said the period was also a painful one for the Sümi community, with some people voluntarily joining the Naga movement while others were forcibly recruited. He recalled that schools were burnt in Sümi areas in an effort to compel young men to join the movement.
“These are difficult chapters of our history, and we must have the courage to acknowledge both the sacrifices and the excesses committed during those turbulent years,” he said.
Asümi urged students and young people to learn and document their history, including the experiences of elders and the sacrifices made during the Naga political struggle.
Aghunato Area Kukami Hoho president Ghokiho H Zhimomi traced the evolution of the Naga political movement, from traditional village institutions and the expansion of British administration to the formation of the Naga Club in 1918, its memorandum to the Simon Commission in 1929 and the establishment of the Naga National Council in 1946.
He also recalled developments leading up to the Hoshepu confrontation, including the formation of the Eastern Sema Tribal Council and the Naga Safe Guards in the eastern Sümi area under General Kaito Sukhai.
According to the historical account presented at the programme, Hoshepu was a principal defensive position of the Naga Safe Guards during the September 4–10, 1955 confrontation.
Zhimomi named five Naga Safe Guards personnel who, according to the account, were killed on September 10, 1955 — Vitomo of Lithsami, Jehoto of Kulhopu, Ahoto and Vighoto of Hoshepu, and Viniqhe of Khekiye.
He said the battle and subsequent military operations brought destruction, displacement and prolonged hardship to people in the Hoshepu range.
Zhimomi called for the site to be protected and appropriately commemorated, saying Hoshepu deserved wider recognition as an important landmark in Naga political and armed history.
He also proposed that the SKK and Eastern Sümi Students’ Union approach the state government for the upgradation of Aghunato ADC headquarters to a district headquarters, citing the area’s historical significance.
Sümi Kukami Hoho president Akukau Hetotho S Zhimomi paid tribute to those who fought, suffered and lost their lives during the conflict. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Hoshepu Range Public Organisation in keeping the memory of the battle alive, including its commemoration of the 50th anniversary in 2005.
He recalled meetings among tribal councils and community representatives in the years leading up to the battle, including gatherings at Hepholuqa in Lazami and Ngozubo, and a meeting at Khekiye village on April 5, 1955, where Kaito was appointed General of the Naga Safe Guards, according to the historical account presented.
He said the sacrifices and suffering of the Naga people should be remembered beyond tribal boundaries and called for greater involvement of younger people in documenting and preserving the shared history.
Representatives of several Naga communities and student organisations attended the commemoration. Solidarity messages were delivered by representatives of the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang, Angami Students’ Union, Chakhesang Students’ Union, Lotha Students’ Union, Pochury Students’ Union, Rengma Students’ Union and Zeliangrong Students’ Union-Nagaland.