Gen (Rtd) Thinoselie M Keyho
President, Naga National Council (NNC)
My dear citizens,
Every year, 18th October is observed as Martyrs' Day by the Naga Nation to pay homage the brave patriots who laid down their lives for our national cause.
The year 2025 will remain a memorable chapter in the history of the Naga Nation. This year, the NNC/FGN celebrated Naga Independence Day at Khonoma, the native village of the Father of the Naga Nation, A.Z. Phizo. And today, we are observing Martyrs' Day at Jotsoma, the native village of Zasibito Nagi, the first Naga martyr.
On behalf of the Naga people, I extend heartfelt thanks to the wisdom and generosity of Jotsoma village for hosting this important event. These two historic occasions-at Khonoma and Jotsoma will be recorded proudly in the pages of our history, and I believe that your children will one day be proud of what you have done for our nation today.
The Martyrdom of Zasibito Nagi
On that fateful day of 18th October 1952, the people of Kohima and nearby areas staged a peaceful procession to protest the torture of a Sema youth in Dimapur by the Assam Police. The procession was silent and non-violent as it moved through the heart of Kohima town.
However, an Indian Intelligence Officer, Captain Viveck, attempted to disrupt the procession by driving his motorbike into the crowd. His provocative actions led a few elderly Nagas to step forward to reason with him. Amidst the commotion, a police officer suddenly drew his pistol and fired a shot, hitting Zasibito Nagi in the belly.
Though deeply hurt and angered, the Nagas did not retaliate, following the instructions of their leaders. They rushed the injured Zasibito Nagi to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Zasibito Nagi was a respected elder, a prominent member of the NNC, and a Judicial Judge of the Kohima Central Court. His lifeless body was taken to his native village, Jotsoma, the same evening. His funeral was held on 19th October 1952, and thousands came from far and wide to pay their respects to this great soul who died for the sovereignty of the Naga Nation.
Zasibito Nagi became the first martyr, and the Naga National Council decided to observe 18th October as Martyrs' Day every year.
Remembering Our Martyrs
Today, as we observe Martyrs' Day, we look back with gratitude and pay homage to the thousands of Naga patriots who sacrificed their lives in our long struggle against external aggression ---a war fought in self-defense, for our democratic rights, and the sovereignty of the Naga Nation.
They shed their blood so that you and I may live in freedom. Their deaths shall never be in vain.
Among the martyrs were simple villagers, innocent and defenceless, who were victims of the brutality of the Indian armed forces. The barbaric nature of military operations during those years knew no mercy. Today, we honour all these souls-- our martyrs.
Our Commitment to the 1951 Plebiscite
Let us also remember the words of our forefathers, expressed in the 1929 memorandum to the Simon Commission:
“Our population is small, and if we join the Indian Reforms, we will disappear, because the Indian population is too numerous.”
Though small in number, the Naga people are blessed with a rich land, full of natural resources, clean water, pure air, and an ideal climate. These are gifts from God, and we must protect them. We must not allow anyone to come and destroy these blessings in the name of progress or occupation.
Keeping all this in mind, the NNC/FGN remains firmly committed to the 1951 Naga Plebiscite. We are not against India. We wish to live in peace with India as good neighbours, because that is in the best interest of both peoples.
The Nagas are different-culturally, socially, linguistically, ethnically-and above all, we are Christians.
In Conclusion
Let us renew our commitment to our martyrs and our cause. Let us continue to fight-not with hatred, but with resolve and unity, until the aspirations of the Naga people are fulfilled.
With these few words, I convey my best wishes to each and every Naga.
Long live Nagaland.
KUKNALIM!
Speech delivered on the occasion of Martyrs' Day - October 18, 2025 at Jotsoma.
