ESSU observes 69th Indo-Naga battle anniversary

DIMAPUR — The Eastern Sumi Students’ Union (ESSU) observed the 69th anniversary of 1st Indo-Naga battle on September 10 in Hoshepu village under Aghunato subdivision of Zunheboto district with Medovi Rhi, president of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) as the special guest.

Speaking at the programme, Medovi expressed the incomprehensible suffering experienced by the Nagas perpetrated by the mighty Indian armed forces during the initial period for self determination. He, however, stated that their sacrifices had made him proud to be a Naga and reminded to never forget his root and identity as a Naga.

Medovi stated that their acts of bravery, their unwavering determination to establish a sovereign Naga state, their honour and courage in midst of adversity have proclaimed to the whole world that Nagas are a warriors tribe and an independent free people.

Also speaking at the programme, HK Zhimomi, former president Naga Hoho, said that the first Indo-Naga battle that took place in ‘Hoshepu’ culminated in the formation of Naga independence movement and establishment of the Naga armed organisation christened as ‘Naga Safe Guard’ (NSG).

He stated that the battle was fought in Khekiye village and was widely called it Hoshepu battle because Khekiye village was one of the expanded villages of Hoshepu, which was the mother village.

Zhimomi added that ‘Free Naga’ is a terminology used by the Britishers calling the people of the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA). Indians also called NEFA people as ‘Azadi’ which implies free people.

He added that in the year 1953, the Naga patriotic leaders AZ Phizo, Tolhopu Sumi and Luzukhu Sumi visited Aghunato area to campaign for the Naga independent. According to him, they first arrived in Aghunato and stayed for a night in Ngozubo village, which is located on a hillock overlooking the whole area of the Sumi villages and parts of the Golaghat district of Assam.

He further stated that the Government of India (Gol) deployed her security forces to capture the NEFA area and bring under the Indian administration.

Isak Sumi, co-convenor of Working Committee of 7 NNPGs, while speaking on behalf of the village, urged the NSF to celebrate the event on a larger platform.

Stating that that there are a good number of factions currently, he said it was time for the Nagas to differentiate ‘who is genuine and who is not’ rather than justifying a person only for the sake of being one’s blood relatives.

He stressed that Nagas have attained statehood only for the fact that there was Naga national movement. However, in comparison to the Nagas of other states who are struggling, the Nagas of Nagaland ought to acknowledge that it is more like living an independent life although it is never a complete liberation.

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The programme was chaired by ESSU vice president, Inito Yepthomi, while the welcome address was delivered by Khushito Awomi, retired AIG Prison, and Kimiyeto Yepthomi, ESSU president, delivered the presidential address.

Solidarity messages were delivered by Gihuka Zhimomi, SKK president, and Hutoka Assumi, SAKK president.