NNC Central Executive Council member Zapuvisie Lhousa with others during the observance of the Naga National Martyrs' Day on October 18.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 19
Naga National Martyrs' Day was observed at Old Taxi stand, Kohima on October 18. In a brief programme, Naga National Council (NNC) central executive council member Zapuvisie Lhousa stated that the first Naga martyr late Zasibito Nagi, was shot by Assam police personnel on October 18, 1952 at Old Taxi stand.
Lhousa said although Nagas were aware of the story of late Nagi, with the passing of time people had forgotten the location where he was shot.
On that fateful day a silent procession was held at Kohima to protest against the grievous assault against a Sumi youth by Assam police in Dimapur.
In the proceedings of that day one Indian Intelligent Officer by the name Captain Verick created a disturbance to the procession, Lhousa said.
He added that during the commotion that ensued an Assam police officer by the name Dutta fired from his service pistol which critically shot Nagi in the abdomen who later succumbed to his injury at Naga Hospital Kohima on the same day.
On hearing about the news a multitude of people came to mourn late Nagi on October 19, 1952, who was later laid to rest at his native village Jotsoma.
NNC leaders collectively set aside October 18 to be Naga National Martyrs' Day to be observed every year in memory of all those who laid down their lives for the Naga cause, Lhousa informed.
Late Zasibito Nagi, born in the year 1921, was the son of Vizielhou Nagi from Jotsoma village.
Late Nagi served as vice president of NNC, Western Angami Group and also a judicial member in the Kohima Central Court.
He was married to Tsovino, daughter of Lhuhu Rino.
Every year on October 18, the Naga National flag is flown at half-mast as a mark of respect to the Naga martyrs.
The gathering observed a one-minute silent prayer.
Representatives from Angami Youth Organization, Western Angami Students’ Union, Western Angami Public Organization, Jotsoma Students’ Union, family members of Late Zasibito and Naga national workers joined the programme.
