Members of the Pochury community, along with leaders of student bodies and local organizations, gathered at Sacred Freedom Park in Matikhrü village during the 66th Pochury Black Day memorial service on September 6.
Kohima, September 6 (MExN): The Pochury Students’ Union (PSU) observed the 66th Pochury Black Day at Matikhrü village on September 6, with a memorial service held to honour those remembered as martyrs of the community. The observance began at 6:30 am at Sacred Freedom Park, where community members gathered to lay wreaths and pay tribute. The service was led by Matikhrü Students’ Union president Tv. Sievitho Kathe.
A formal commemorative service was later held at Matikhrü Baptist Church, chaired by PSU general secretary Tv. Tsiarhotho Thsangkhure. Executive Secretary of the Pochury Baptist Church Council, Rev. Rümatho Nyusou, was the guest speaker.
Speaking on the theme, “From Tragedy to Promise: Finding Hope in God’s Unfailing Love,” Nyusou urged the community to place its hope and trust in God. He said the memories of tragedy and sacrifice remained painful, but faith in God’s unfailing love could provide strength, healing and renewed hope.
He also called upon the younger generation to honour the legacy of the pioneers by upholding faith, unity, peace and responsibility towards the future. The congregation observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the martyrs. The programme also included a musical presentation, “Mükü Mara Wa Mavi 1960,” by Akho Thyorr and Sarah Perry.
PSU president Tv. Rongley Leyri spoke on the historical significance of Pochury Black Day, while solidarity messages were delivered by Pochury Hoho general secretary Tv. Sierhosie Kajiri and Pochury Mothers’ Association president Svs. Tvüse Perry.
The PSU said the annual observance was an avenue to preserve the community’s history and remember the sacrifices of its forefathers. It called upon the community, youth and well-wishers to uphold the spirit of remembrance and work towards a future founded on “faith, unity, peace, and hope.”
Meanwhile, the 12th edition of the Pochury Black Day Memorial Cup will be held from September 15 to 24 at Matikhrü.
The football tournament, organised as part of the commemoration, will feature 16 teams competing for the championship. The champion will receive Rs 1 lakh, a trophy, medals and citation, while the runner-up will receive Rs 70,000 along with a trophy, medals and citation.
The two losing semi-finalists will each receive Rs 30,000. Individual awards will also be presented in categories including Most Promising Player, Best Defender, Best Goalkeeper, Player of the Tournament and Highest Scorer.
According to the PSU, the memorial cup is intended not only as a sporting event but also as a platform to keep alive the memory of the sacrifices of the forefathers while promoting sportsmanship, unity, discipline and fellowship among the younger generation.
