Nagaland Flatfenders Club visited Viswema to document the village's World War II history, preserve Battle of Kohima heritage, and promote adventure tourism.
DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Flatfenders Club (NFC), led by its president TJ Longkumer, visited Viswema village under Jakhama subdivision on July 25 to document and preserve the rich history and legacy of the Second World War in Nagaland.
According to a DIPR report, the visit aimed to honour the legacy of the Battle of Kohima, record historical accounts from any surviving witnesses, and gather information from village elders and residents with knowledge of the wartime period.
The team also visited sites that played a strategic role during the 1944 Battle of Kohima to assess their historical significance and present condition.
Addressing the gathering, Longkumer highlighted the importance of preserving Nagaland's Second World War history and promoting adventure tourism.
He said the club's initiative seeks to document the wartime experiences of Viswema's elders so that the sacrifices made by the village and its historical significance are preserved for future generations.
Longkumer noted that Viswema played a crucial role during the Battle of Kohima (April-June 1944), serving as a tactical staging ground, troop encampment and defensive position for the Imperial Japanese Army.
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He said historical records indicate that Japanese forces established camps, trench networks and fortified bunkers in and around the village in early April 1944.
Their arrival forced many villagers to flee to nearby forests, fields and neighbouring villages, including Jakhama.
Following intense Allied artillery shelling and aerial bombardment, the village was evacuated. On June 14, 1944, more than 600 houses were destroyed.
With supply lines cut off and sustained bombardment, the Japanese forces eventually retreated, allowing Allied forces to recapture the area.
The programme also featured presentations by the Viswema Village Council and members of the Nagaland Flatfenders Club. It was chaired by Ketsokhol Kennao.
The visit concluded with interactions between club members, village elders and community leaders, reaffirming their shared commitment to preserving Viswema's wartime heritage and passing its history on to future generations.