Federal Government of Nagaland today observed its 65th Martyrs’ day at Settsü village, located a few kilometres away from Mokokchung town organized by the Ao region programme committee.
Kedallo of FGN read out the tribute speech of Gen. (Retd) Viyalie Metha, Kedahge of the FGN. Kedahge’s speech mentioned that the first Naga martyr to be murdered by Indian forces was Zasibito Nagi of Jotsoma village who was killed in broad daylight on October 18, 1952 and that the day had been observed as Martyr’s Day ever since. It mentioned that the programme at Settsü village was to pay homage and respect to the five men from the village who were massacred on June 16, 1956.
The speech also mentioned the massacres that happened at Longpha village of Ao region on June 6, 1956 where 5 villagers were murdered and the Yengpang village incident under Chang region on November 15, 1954 where 65 villagers lost their lives.
Mention was also made of the 11 villager of Ketsapomi village under Chakhesang region who were shot to death as “target practice” by Indian soldiers on April 13, 1956 and the 9 victims of Matikhrii village incident under Pochury region on September 6, 1960. “On this 65th national Martyrs’ day, the nation wishes to pay tribute to all our people who have laid down their lives for the nation,” it read. The Kedahge also called upon the younger generation to “pick up the baton of our political torch and run on until the race for our national objective is achieved.”
Short speeches were also delivered by Kaka D. Iralu, Kilonser, FGN and Lhouvitsü, Speaker, Tatar Hoho, FGN. The programme culminated with a mass prayer.
The event was chaired by secretary of Ao Region FGN, K.Lepzüng Jamir and welcome address delivered by Imli, GB Settsü village followed by the singing of national anthem led by the Settsü Students’ Union. The gathering also paid homage to the fallen martyrs by observing a 2 minute silence and prayer led by the village pastor.