Pochury Students' Union organised the 65th Pochury Black Day, a solemn observance held at Sacred Freedom Park, Matikhrü on September 6.
Matikhrü, September 6 (MExN): The Pochury Students' Union (PSU) on Saturday organised the 65th Pochury Black Day, a solemn observance held at Sacred Freedom Park, Matikhrü, to honour the martyrs of the 1960 massacre.
A press release received here stated that the event was attended by representatives from the Pochury Hoho, Pochury Mothers’ Association, Matikhrü Students’ Union, Phoyisha Public Organisation, Phokhungri Public Organisation, as well as members of the Meluri Town and Kamaleah Area People’s Organisations, alongside local villagers.
Earlier, the Pochury Black Day programme was chaired by MKSU President, Sievitho Kathe, with invocation by Rhovitho Nyusou and welcome address by Wilson Katiry.
PSU President, Rongley Leyri delivered the significance of the day, recalling the events of September 6, 1960. On that day, the Indian Army's 16th Punjab Regiment carried out a massacre at Matikhrü village in reprisal for the Naga Army’s attack on the Assam Rifles outpost at Thuda (Phor village). The tragic events saw villages burnt, atrocities committed, and nine men brutally executed, while women and children endured hardships in the jungles.
Since then, September 6 has been observed as Pochury Black Day to honour the martyrs who laid down their lives for the Naga cause.
A soulful folk tune was presented by the Matikhrü Women Society. Pochury Hoho President, Chonpa Jurry addressed the gathering, stating that “the greatest love is a person’s sacrifice,” and urged all to honour the priceless blood of the martyrs. He affirmed that the Hoho stands firmly behind PSU and Matikhrü village. He also exhorted the people to seek God’s grace, remain united, live in harmony, and declared that “the price has been paid and let not the sacrifices go in vain.”
Pochury Mothers’ Association President, Tvüsesü Perri described the day as a “solemn remembrance for the Pochury people,” contrasting it with the Peace Day observed elsewhere in Nagaland. While acknowledging that the painful history cannot be forgotten, she urged forgiveness in the Christian spirit and prayed for peace. She emphasised the need for unity, strengthening bonds of brotherhood, and honouring the descendants of the martyrs with gratitude.
The observance concluded with a benediction by Eneikhoteluo Pojar, Women Pastor of the Matikhrü Baptist Church.
September 6 is a day of profound sorrow for the Pochury community, who remember the martyrs of 1960. On the same day, other Naga communities observe Peace Day, commemorating the 1964 accord between the Government of India and the Naga Insurgent Groups, primarily represented by Naga National Council (NNC).
The Thuda War, which gave rise to Pochury Black Day, is considered a foundational chapter in the organised struggle for Naga self-determination, marked by courage, resilience, and ultimate sacrifice.
