The All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) observed the 71st anniversary of the First Naga-Indo Battle at the Hoshepu ADM/EAC Headquarters on Thursday, with speakers calling for preservation of the historic site, documentation of the past and greater Naga unity.
The commemorative programme, hosted by the Hoshepu Range Public Organisation (HRPO), brought together representatives of various Naga communities and student organisations to remember the historical significance of the battle and the sacrifices associated with the Naga political movement.
Addressing the programme as guest of honour, president of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Mteisuding Heraang described the confrontation at Hoshepu as more than a military battle, saying it formed part of the historical journey that gave birth to the Naga political movement.
Paying tribute to those who lost their lives, Heraang urged the people of Hoshepu and the Sümi community to preserve the historic site and ensure that its history is passed on to future generations.
He also stressed the importance of using the term “Naga-Indo Battle” instead of “Indo-Naga Battle”, saying the terminology should reflect the Naga perspective of the historical event. He said the NSF had also adopted a resolution to use the term “Naga-Indo” in reference to the Naga-India political talks.
Heraang appealed to the people to give the NSF more time to examine historical records relating to the battle. He said the Federation was studying the issue with sincerity and transparency before making any definitive historical recognition or declaration.
He emphasised that the history of the Hoshepu battle should not be viewed merely as the history of one village or community but as part of the wider history and political journey of the Naga people. He called upon the younger generation to learn from the sacrifices of their forefathers and preserve the historical identity of the Nagas.
Speaking on the occasion, Sümi Hoho president, Dr Vihuto Asümi said Hoshepu was not merely a geographical location but represented an important chapter in Naga history.
He said the first bloodshed associated with the Naga freedom struggle took place at Huker Village on March 24, 1955, while the first full-fledged and organised military battle between the Indian Army and the Naga Army took place at Hoshepu from September 4 to 10, 1955, under the leadership of General Kaito Sukhai.
Dr Asümi said the battle marked a significant turning point by demonstrating the seriousness and determination of the Naga people in their political struggle. He also highlighted the contribution and sacrifices of the Sümi people, saying many Sümi voluntarily joined the Naga cause while others were forcibly recruited into the Naga Army.
He recalled that schools were burnt in Sümi areas to compel young men to join the movement, describing these as difficult chapters of history that must be acknowledged with the courage to recognise both sacrifices and excesses committed during the turbulent period.
Quoting Marcus Garvey that “A people without the knowledge of their past, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots,” Dr Asümi urged young people and students to learn, document and preserve history, including the stories of elders, sacrifices and events that shaped the Naga political journey.
President of the Aghunato Area Kukami Hoho, Ghokiho H Zhimomi traced the development of the Naga political movement from traditional village institutions and the expansion of British administration into the Naga Hills to the formation of the Naga Club in 1918, its memorandum to the Simon Commission in 1929, formation of the Naga National Council in 1946 and the declaration of Naga independence in 1947.
He also spoke about the emergence of armed resistance following growing political and military confrontation after 1947. According to the historical account presented, the Eastern Sema Tribal Council emerged in the eastern Sümi area in 1953, followed by the formation of the Naga Safe Guards (NSG) under General Kaito Sukhai.
Zhimomi recalled that Hoshepu became a principal defensive position of the NSG and that the First Naga-Indo Battle took place there from September 4 to 10, 1955. According to the historical accounts cited, five NSG personnel—Vitomo of Lithsami, Jehoto of Kulhopu, Ahoto and Vighoto of Hoshepu, and Viniqhe of Khekiye—were killed on September 10, 1955.
He said the battle and subsequent military operations resulted in destruction, displacement and prolonged hardship among the people of the Hoshepu range.
Zhimomi called for preservation and wider recognition of Hoshepu as an important landmark of Naga political and armed history. He proposed that SKK and ESSU jointly approach the Government of Nagaland for upgrading the Aghunato ADC Headquarters to a district headquarters, while recognising the area’s historical significance.
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He also called for greater participation by the younger generation in documenting oral history, particularly the experiences and long-term hardships of the Hoshepu-range population. He proposed an inclusive historical memorial at Hoshepu that would honour those who participated in the wider Naga political struggle, irrespective of factions, organisations or personalities.
Sümi Kukami Hoho president Akukau Hetotho S Zhimomi also paid tribute to those who fought, suffered and sacrificed their lives during the conflict and acknowledged the efforts of the HRPO in preserving the memory of the battle, including its observance of the 50th anniversary in 2005.
Tracing the background to the conflict, he recalled meetings among representatives of various tribal councils at Hepholuqa in Lazami village in 1953 and an August 1954 meeting at Ngozubo village involving Sümi Kukami, elders and Yimchunger representatives to discuss resistance against Indian forces.
He said these developments eventually led to the formation of the Eastern War Group, later reorganised into the Naga Safe Guard. A significant meeting at Khekiye village on April 5, 1955, brought together Yimchunger, Sangtam and Eastern Sema Kukami leaders, with Kaito appointed as General of the NSG.
Akukau Hetotho S. Zhimomi said the First Naga-Indo Battle at Hoshepu-Khekiye from September 4 to 10, 1955, resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property and immense suffering.
He said the Sümi community also endured considerable hardship during the Naga struggle, with villages burnt, properties destroyed and people and livestock losing their lives. Calling for greater unity, he urged the younger generation to look beyond tribal boundaries and work towards a shared history that recognises the collective struggles and sacrifices of the Naga people.
“We must remember not only the battle itself, but also the sacrifices, suffering and courage of all those who lived through those difficult times,” he said.
The programme was chaired by Holonto S Zhimomi, Editor, SKK, while Shikupu Phuleshe, General Secretary, ESSU, served as recorder.
The programme began with an invocation by Rev Mughato Awomi, Pastor, Hoshepu Baptist Church, followed by the presidential address by Hipito Achumi, president, SKK. Khekiye Village presented a welcome song, while Hoshepu Village performed a traditional war dance.
Solidarity speeches were delivered by representatives of the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang, Angami Students’ Union, Chakesang Students’ Union, Lotha Students’ Union, Pochury Students’ Union, Rengma Students’ Union and Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Nagaland.
A special song was presented by Kiviti V Murru. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Katolu K Zhimo, president, ESSU, followed by the benediction by Nikato Assumi, Pastor, Nihoshe Village Baptist Church.
