Naga Students’ Federation observes 37th Martyrs’ Day; pays tribute to 2 slain youth

Kohima: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Monday observed 37th Martyrs’ Day by paying tribute to two students — Kekuojalie Sachü and Vikhozo Yhoshü —  who were killed in 1986 police firing in Kohima.

Every year, the NSF along with the family members of victims pays tribute to the two youths who succumbed to indiscriminate firing upon the peaceful agitating students by the armed police.

Highlighting the background of the incident, NSF President Kegwahyun Tep said that on March 20, 1986, when thousands of students were protesting the extension of the Disturbed Areas Act (DAA) from the 5 km belt to 20 km along the Indo-Burma border and the introduction of the Indian Police Service cadre in Nagaland (which focuses on induction of non-Nagas), the armed police forces from Alichen indiscriminately fired at the peaceful agitating students. Two of them succumbed to their injuries.

’37 years ago, when the aspirations and the existence of the Naga people were cast upon the shadows of political despair and uncertainty, we took to the streets into that darkness of time and lost two precious lives,’ he said.

‘Yet through the martyrdom of two noble souls, the aspirations and hopes were renewed once again with a renewed sense of direction and purpose. The ultimate goal for peace, which is the prayer and the aspiration of the Naga people was, thus, established,’ he added.

Tep further told the family members of the martyrs that the Naga youths and the upcoming generations will remain indebted to the departed souls and will continue to honour their sacrifices.

The NSF executives and families members of the two slain youths also laid wreaths on the graves of Sachü and Yhoshü at the NSF Martyrs’ Park.