The Remembrance Day was held at Kohima war Cemetery common wealth war graves commission on November 11.
Special Guest Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio in his welcome address stated that it is a day to honor the memory of those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of peace, justice, and freedom.
“Kohima War Cemetery, located in the State capital, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during this battle. Maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, it is the resting place of 1,420 Allied soldiers, and also the place where 917 Hindu and Sikh soldiers were cremated according to their faith,” stated Rio.
According to the CM, Remembrance day is also a reminder not only of the precious lives lost but also of the spirit of resilience that the place embodies and that everyone has their feet on the soil that change the course of world history. The significance of the Kohima War Cemetery was highlighted as it is located on the very ground where the Battle of Kohima took place. It was on this terrain that brave soldiers reached the extend of hand-to-hand combat and against all odds, to ensure that freedom and democracy triumphs.
“Seventy-nine years ago, the people of this land witnessed one of the fiercest battles of World War II-the Battle of Kohima. It was here that Allied and Indian forces joined hands in a courageous stand, halting the advance of enemy forces and shifting the tides of war. The battle scars remain etched in these hills, but they serve as symbols of bravery, sacrifice, and unity that still resonate with us every day,” stated Rio.
The Day, according to the CM, was a day to reflect on the lives of the men and women who are laid to rest here, those who were cremated, as well as the countless others whose sacrifices have gone unrecorded and honor the contributions not only of the Allied soldiers but also of the Naga people, whose support, endurance, and valor were integral to the success of that fateful battle. “These men and women were ordinary people who, through extraordinary circumstances, became symbols of hope and resilience. Today, let us reaffirm our gratitude to those who serve and protect our nations. Let us carry forward the legacy of those who rest here by building a world that values peace and unity above all else,” he added.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
For those who lay here in eternal rest, and for their generations of loved ones, said Rio, this patch of land will forever be home, it will forever be England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Punjab, etc.
“We will always welcome them , and consider you as family, because we fought together; and your loved ones rest here in our land,” asserted Rio. He said Kohima and the Naga people will continue to play a contributory role for the good of humanity and that is the commitment for now and for all times to come.
Honoured guest British Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Andrew Fleming mentioned that he had visited many war graves across Europe, Africa, The Middle East, Far East and South Asia but this cemetery where 1420 brave souls are laid to rest and a further 927 brave heroes are remembered stands out.
“The geography, its remoteness in 1944, and indeed the graphic accounts of what occurred in the very place we are now gathered combine to make this such a deeply moving location. The Commonwealth War Graves Association assisted by the Nagaland State government do a remarkable job in the maintenance and upkeep, of this final resting place for so many heroes. It is perhaps because of it’s remoteness to Europe that the Battle of Kohima has been referred to previously as they forgotten battle back in the UK,“ stated Dr. Fleming.
He also expressed his appreciation for the cooperation and support of the Nagaland government in making the program possible. He said he look forward to continue working closely with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his administration. The program was blessed with prayer and reading by Bishop of Kohima Rev. Dr. James Thoppil.
