On the solemn occasion of the 63th Anniversary of ‘Pochury Black Day’, the Naga Students’ Federation remembered the “visionary leaders and the heroes of the past” who made “costly sacrifices” for self-determination. The Pochury Black Day is observed on 6 September.

“We celebrate the memories of our dear comrades who have sacrificed their lives protecting the interests of the younger Naga generation”, newly elected NSF President Medovi Rhi and General Secretary Chumben Khuvung stated in a press release.

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The federation, reminding the reason for observing ‘Pochury Black Day’, stated that in beginning of 1960, the Naga Army shot down an Indian Air Force plane where four of the aircraft’s pilots and five crew members were captured by the Naga Army. However, none of them were tortured and they were all released through the Indian Red Cross Society. Nevertheless, in the process of the Indian Army operations to rescue the airmen, many villages were burnt down and untold atrocities and torture were inflicted upon the innocent villagers in the Pochury region.

NSF expressed deep reverence to those who suffered and laid down their lives during this horrific event that took place in Meluri villages and said that their “sacrifices and unwavering determination have bestowed upon us the legacy of a sovereign Naga nation.”

On the occasion, NSF also appealed to the Government of India to keep its word and “restore the Historical and Political rights of the Naga people without further ado.”