On the inaugural day of the 25th Hornbill Festival on 1st December 2024, the Indian Army opened its renovated Morung at Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima, in the presence of civil and military dignitaries. The morung celebrates the tribal heritage of Nagaland and honours the brave Indian Army soldiers, the PRO & Spokesperson, Ministry of Defence, stated in a press release.

The Morung features an Audio-Visual gallery in the memory of Captain N Kenguruse, MVC (Posthumous), who made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Vijay in 1999 as well as the saga of many other brave Naga Soldiers. During the event, lamps were lit by the proud parents of Captain Kenguruse, paying tribute to his valour and legacy.

Contributions and Accomplishments of the Naga warriors has also been displayed celebrating their rich history and indomitable spirit. The Indian Army Morung will be open to visitors for the entire duration of the festival.

The Indian Army also unveiled a Battle Tank established at the Kisama Heritage Village and dedicating it to the brave Naga soldiers. This iconic tank, known for its power and durability, was presented as a tribute to their unmatched valour and patriotism.

It is a T-55 battle tank, inducted into the service in 1960s, and had been a mainstay of the Indian Army for decades. It played a pivotal role in key conflicts, including the legendary Battle of Longewala during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, where India achieved a decisive victory.

Its display at Kisama Heritage Village represented the enduring bond between Nagaland and the Indian Army, blending military history with the region’s rich cultural heritage, the Defence Ministry’s Spokesperson stated.