The Nagaland Flatfenders Club led by its President, TJ Longkumer visited Viswema Village under Jakhama Sub-Division on July 25 to document and preserve the rich history and legacy of the Second World War in Nagaland.
The visit aimed to honour the legacy of the Battle of Kohima, document historical accounts from surviving witness, if any, and gather information from village elders and residents with knowledge of the war period. The team also visited sites that played a strategic role during the 1944 conflict to understand their historical significance and present condition.
Speaking on the occasion, Club President, TJ Longkumer highlighted the importance of adventure tourism and the need to preserve the history of the Second World War. He said the Club’s initiative seeks to recollect and document the wartime experiences of Viswema village elders so that the sacrifices and historical significance of the village are preserved for future generations.
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He said that Viswema played a vital role during the Battle of Kohima (April–June 1944). It served as a tactical staging ground, troop encampment and defensive position for the Imperial Japanese Army. He said that, historical records indicate that in early April 1944, Japanese forces established camps, trench networks and fortified bunkers in and around the village. The arrival of the troops forced many villagers to flee to nearby forests, fields and neighbouring villages, including Jakhama. Following heavy Allied artillery and bombing raids, the village was evacuated, and on June 14, 1944, more than 600 houses were destroyed. With supply lines cut off and relentless bombardment, the Japanese forces eventually retreated, enabling Allied forces to reclaim the area.
This was followed by presentations from the Viswema Village Council and members of the Nagaland Flatfenders Club.
The programme was chaired by Ketsokhol Kennao, while Rev Saphrüil Pucho, VBC, offered the invocation.
The visit concluded with interactions between the Club members, village elders and community leaders, reaffirming a shared commitment to preserving Viswema’s wartime heritage and passing its history on to future generations.
