‘Those living today must keep history alive’: Nagaland CM

‘Kohima Peace Memorial & Eco-Park, a solemn reminder of our past, a celebration of our presence and a promise for our future’

Morung Express News 
Kohima | November 29

Nestled amidst the serene hills of the state capital of Nagaland, ‘Kohima Peace Memorial and Eco-Park’ was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio on November 29. He said that the site recalls the memories, courage and resilience of the Naga people while remarking that the historical day of importance is “a solemn reminder of our past, a celebration of our presence and a promise for our future.”

He traced the story of the Second World War and the Battle of Kohima, which was voted as the fiercest battle fought by the British forces in which Nagas were also part of, either directly or indirectly. He also spoke of the friendship and brotherhood between Japan and the Nagaland, even with the foundation of the Park earlier laid by Hiroshi Suzuki.  

“We had faced the hardship, the horror of conflicts, and so many things happened to us. We were awoken up by the civilizations that came to our doorsteps, and our history has become a global history,” the Chief Minister remarked. He said that the Second World War is very dear to him with his own father being a war veteran, and his mother, who, along with a group of girls fetched water for the Britishers who camped in Kohima.

Further highlighting about those people who gave their lives in Kohima, he pointed out that, “our stories were never told,” but were narrated by others. However, he also noted that Naga authors have now started writing about our own version of the war in Kohima while citing Mmhonlumo Kikon in this regard.

Stating that the famous and the last big fight of the Second World War took place in Kohima, he underscored that, “those of us who are living today, should build in such a manner that it keeps the history alive. We do our part.” 

He asserted that Nagas are longing for peace, and urged that Naga people should study the effect of war by coming to the Kohima War Cemetery or the Eco Park. 

Further calling for the need to protect what is being created, he emphasized on the need to educate our people that these are treasures for everyone and for generations to come.

In the meantime, he stated his appreciation for the landowners, Kohima village, and the Department of Environment and Forest for giving all the support and also commended Richard Belho, who was the master architect. 

What was once only a vision has been implemented and has become a reality, he added while further acknowledging all the agencies who made it possible. 

In the meantime, he expressed that, “the Japanese have become our friends” and that a friendship has been erected in the stone. Towards this end, he called upon the gathering to remember that the Japanese people are very disciplined , very hard working and very focussed.

“Let us also work hard and discipline ourselves like Japanese, so that we learn from them and we become a better society”, he added.

From triumph & victory to a mission for humanity 
While the Battle of Kohima is known to have changed the course of world history, Advisor to Chief Minister & Chairman, Investment Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha maintained that, “at times we tend to forget that the march of the Japanese army from Japan across Asia till here also changed the course of history throughout Asia, speeding up the process of decolonization and so many new nations emerged achieving independence from European countries.”

Giving a historical background of the site, he remarked that, “whatever the result of the war, history changed course, the forces of democracy and freedom won here.” 

And when we say that, he underscored that, “we must be very clear that the Naga people, the local population, we contributed towards that victory.” Stating this in the context of living peaceful lives, living off the land, living the way our forefathers and our foreparents taught us for generations, he said, “and suddenly guns boomed, tanks arrived, jet fighters flew over us, and war was upon us.”

While appreciating the wonderful facility that has come up in the midst of blue skies, gentle breeze, a vibrant city down the street, he expressed that, “but one can imagine 80 years ago what the scene would have been. Cries of pain, devastation, destruction, the smell of death.”

However, noting that we have learned from war, violence and death, he said that, today, Naga people and the local community are using the experience, the pain of war and death to spread peace, and to tell the world that peace is the only option. 

“Today, Kohima and the Naga people are contributing again towards the goodness of humanity”, he articulated while adding that, “We are telling our experience and the knowledge that we gain to tell the world that there must be oneness, there must be unity, there must be peace, because peace is the only way.”

“We contributed towards the triumph and victory of democracy 80 years ago. Today, we will contribute for the good of humanity”, he affirmed. 

Highlights of the event included invocation by Pastor Visato Yhoshü, Union Baptist Church, Kohima, welcome address by CL John, Minister for Environment, Forests & Climate Change and Village Guards, folk fusion by Lidi Kro-u Society, and vote of thanks by Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, Chief Secretary of Nagaland while the programme was chaired by Vedpal Singh, PCCF & HoFF, DEFCC.