The 25th NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy 2025 , Trophy tour to all Naga homeland began today at Kohima village, the village of NSF Martyr Kekuojalie Sachü. The event was hosted at the Kohima Village Council (KVC) Hall in Kohima Village on March 20.
Prasielie Pienyü, Chairman of NHHDC Ltd. And former president of the ASU and KVSU, delivered a speech highlighting the significance of the tournament. He explained that the event was established to honor the memory of late Kekuojalie Sachü and late Vikhozo Yhoshü, two students who lost their lives on March 20, 1986, during a peaceful protest organized by the NSF. He also provided a brief description on the journey of the trophy which started 25 years back.
Helevio Solo, Kohima Village Council Chairman emphasized that the Naga solution is not confined to one tribe or village but concerns the entire Nagaland. He stated that a minute of silence is insufficient to honor the sacrifices of the two martyrs and urged everyone to ensure their sacrifices are not in vain. He also pointed out that the so called 28 factions freedom fighters currently in conflict are not fighting for the Naga mandate. He expressed hope that this day would mark a new beginning for all stakeholders, including student unions, and called on all student bodies to unite for the Naga cause, as the 28 factions cannot achieve this unity and goals. He reminded the student bodies that they are stronger than these factions and should strive to foster harmony, peace, and love among all Nagas through this memorial trophy.
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Keneingu Albert Rutsa, the coach of the 1998 KVSU team, highlighted the legacy of the 1998 champion team during the event. Zakievo-u Sachü, the brother of late Kekuojalie Sachü, paid a heartfelt tribute to his sibling. He shared that Kekuojalie was the eldest of five children of Lt. Zeluotuo Sachü and Lt. Vikhozoü. Kekuojalie was a student at Baptist English School (Baptist High) when he was martyred during the NSF-organized peace rally on March 20, 1986. On behalf of his family, Zakievo-u expressed pride in his brother’s unwavering commitment to the state and the rights of the people, even to the point of sacrificing his life for the Naga cause. He extended his gratitude to the NSF, ASU, and all stakeholders for keeping his brother’s memory alive through the annual NSF trophy event. He also thanked the Kohima Village Students Union for organizing the program and making it a grand celebration.
The event commenced with the unfurling of the NSF Martyrs Memorial Flag by Prasielie Pienyü, followed by a performance by Vidisenuo Belho. The program was blessed with an invocation by Kezhakietuo Belho, associate pastor of Khedi Baptist Church.
After receiving the trophy from the NSF Martyrs Park, the KVSU led a tour of Kohima Village, culminating in the trophy’s arrival at the KVC Hall. The trophy will go to Baptist High (Baptist English school), the school of Lt. Kekuojalie Sachü and will be passed on to the Kigwema Students’ Union, the village of the late Vikhozo Yhoshü.
