Netaji and Indian National Army Camp at Chesezu Village During the Battle of Kohima, a Historical Site

Netaji Subhash Chandra Boss, the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian National Army (INA) and his troops which was composed of the Japanese and Indian Soldiers who fought in the II World War came to Chesezu Village (55 km away from Kohima) where Netaji is base during the battle of Kohima in April 1944. They temporarily stationed and camped at Chesezu according to the living eye witnesses & testimonies of Villagers who already attained 85 yrs-90’s of age. They said, Japanese soldiers came ahead and occupied the important places and then the Japanese Commander, (somebody called it Japanese King) appeared. The king (Netaji) came riding on a brown horse. Villagers at that time did not know the man was Netaji who looks handsome, wear cap, khakhi dress, carried bomb on each side of hip, a Sword on his waist and wore long boots and spectacle. They only hear his name Subhas Bose but Villagers pronounce it Sabo Boss. Later on by seen his Poster they recognized that the man was Netaji. An old man seeing his poster, he says, is it still very young as those days? Another old man says, I had never seen anyone having masculine figure like him, he looks cheerful. Netaji used to come to the Village and sit on a Stone and address the Villagers. He promised that when they win the war he will bring good school, good road, good hospital and good machines for agriculture. The Village incurred huge wealth to Netaji and his troops. His camp below I.B. Bunglow was constructed with tent and bamboo near a well. There were bunkers near it. Netaji stationed in this camp whereas the Indian Soldiers stay in I.B. Bungalow and a bulk of Japanese soldiers stayed at a small ground a few distance away from the camp (Zunyi Khudükü), where their horses are gathered and ratios collected from the village were stored there for supply. On the peak of a hill called Netaji peak where he monitored the battle of Kohima and surrounding areas. On this peak the paramount view of surrounding Villages and Kohima Town was clearly visible (it is about 250 metres higher than Kohima). His Associates like Mr. Purasho they called it Hikari Kikan (Liaison Officer) from Thenyizu Village, Mr. Vezo Swuro a retired School Teacher and other elderly people had related the stories and they still retain the memories of that soldier with a badge, kind and generous, always smile on his face. He dressed like the one we see in poster, a Bengali appearance and fair complexion among others. The Villagers had still cherished his courtesy and friendship in their heart. Writers says, Netaji came from Burma campaign and advanced from Mandalay to Mowdak, the INA under Netaji became a powerful combating force in Manipur. He hoisted Indian national flag at Moirang 3 km from Imphal. Through Jessami as the destination for accessing Chakhesang areas, they proceeded to Phek and enroute to Chesezu crossing several Villages along the British road by a mull tract. Some writers specially like Shri. K. Puro a College Professor who is at his 60’s give statement on April 22 2017 from Nagaland Post and Eastern Mirror on 19.5.17 respectively stated that Netaji did not come this side from Dzulha to Kikruma, his view was concern only Japanese soldiers who entered to this region and neglected the traces of Netaji to these Villages had hurt the sentiment of the people especially elderly people. As he happened to folded-up the beautiful relationship of Netaji and the Villagers of this region (Chokri area) and just wrote without deeper researches was regretted. Shri Fulutsu’s statement given on 16.05.17 which is a Censure of the history about the relationship of Netaji and Chesezu Village and his criticisn of the writer about the Discovery of Netaji Subhash Chandra Boss and INA, the last Camp in Nagaland were questionable. Rather these historians if they really interested to write for the history on this subject they may learn the truth if they come and hear the narration of the aged people who were living eyewitnesses and testimonies about the scene. The elderly people who saw Netaji had related the stories and being documented while a documentary film was produce by the committee (CONHAT). We are grateful; to Er. Vekho Swuro whose thesis book tittled the Discovery of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose ‘Delhi Chalo’, the last Camp in Nagaland and the battle of Kohima during April 1944. This book truly unfolded the forgotten heroes and event of the past memories of legend Netaji’s relationship with the Chesezu Village. Interestingly Er. Vekho’s and his team interviewed with the Villagers who are living eyewitnesses of Netaji Subash Chandra Boss and his Indian National Army and their last camp at Chesezu which enthuse the readers and draw attention to the historians as well as tourist including relatives of Netaji Memorial-Trust of India did visited the village. We are also grateful to the Nagaland Government under Department of Tourism graciously declare a Tourist spot recently. As such the development activities has been implemented since 2015. The battle of Kohima had gone down in history as one of the fiercest battle in World War II which was fought in Nagaland between the 31st division of Japan Imperial Army and the 2nd division of the British Allied forces. The Japan Imperial Army at Kohima lost the ground from a surprise initiative, the allied force took upper hand everywhere and advanced to pursue enemies and reached our village. The Allied forces (Britishers) then suddenly came and attack Dak Bungalow and the surrounding camp. They indiscriminately fired at the Dak Bungalow and the camp, there was heavy exchange of fire for 2 hours says one elder. The INA Soldiers dispersed but unfortunately two INA soldiers were wounded and succumbed to their injuries. The Villagers never have seen Netaji again after the Dak Bungalow attack. Muleyi Khesoh, Chairman Village Council,Chesezu (Chesezu); Vetacho Nienu Chairman, Committee on Netaji Heritage at Tsuswuzu