Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, today paid homage to the hundreds of soldiers of the Allied forces who fell in the fierce battle of Kohima in 1944 in the Second World War, at the Commonwealth War Cemetery, here in Kohima.

The Congress leader who arrived in Khuzama, Nagaland on Monday evening resumed his yatra from Viswema Village early this morning.

In his brief public address at High School Junction, Rahul Gandhi stressed on the importance of Northeast stating that Northeast represents the “idea of India” and hence the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra began from Manipur.

He also said the idea of the yatra is to bring the different cultures, religions, languages and traditions of India together.

Earlier, Gandhi also addressed the public at Old MLA Hostel Junction in Phoolbari, Kohima where he said, “It doesn’t matter if you are a small state, you should feel equal to all other people in the country.”

He also made a quick stop at Indira Gandhi Stadium where the 66th Kohima Village Sports Meet is taking place.

.@RahulGandhi made an impromptu stop at a sports stadium where the Kohima Village Sports Association had organised a week-long sports meet. The Association was started in 1944!

The plaque at the stadium is most telling.

Woh bhi ek zamaana tha! pic.twitter.com/vftD5N8PwY

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) January 16, 2024

Later, on the way to Chiephobozou, the yatra made a stop at Nerhema Village where Gandhi paid respects to Kargil War martyr Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, Maha Vir Chakra (Posthumous) and met the hero’s father.

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After lunch break at Chiephobozou, Rahul Gandhi will proceed to Tseminyu and Wokha towns where he will address the public. The yatra will then move to Chukitong in Wokha district where they will halt for the night.

On 17th January, Gandhi will resume his yatra from Chukitong to VK Town in Zunheboto district, then it will advance towards Tuli, Mokokchung where the Nagaland chapter will close.