Nagaland commemorates Remembrance Day at Kohima

Nagaland on Tuesday commemorated Remembrance Day at the Kohima War Cemetery, honouring the sacrifices of British, Indian and Allied soldiers who fought in the Second World War.
Special guest chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, in his address, declared the State government’s commitment to observe Remembrance Day as an annual State event. He placed on record his appreciation to the British High Commission, led by Dr. Andrew Fleming, for initiating the observance in Nagaland last year. “The 2024 ceremony marked the first official commemoration by the State Government, and today, we reaffirm our commitment to observe this as an annual state event, in partnership with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission,” he said.
“Nagaland stands shoulder to shoulder with the global community, honouring the brave men and women who laid down their lives so that peace and freedom may prevail.”
Rio described the Kohima War Cemetery as “one of the most sacred sites of the Second World War”, noting that 1,420 Allied soldiers rest there. “This cemetery is not only a burial ground—it is a living testament to the extraordinary courage of those who fought here,” he said.
He recalled that eighty years ago, the people of the land witnessed one of the fiercest battles of World War II. “The Battle of Kohima was not just a military engagement; it was a defining moment in the history of the world,” he said.
He honoured how Allied, Indian and Naga forces “fought side by side—outnumbered, outgunned, yet unbroken”.
Sharing a wartime anecdote from the siege of the Deputy Commissioner’s Bungalow, Rio narrated how soldiers, fighting at close quarters, passed messages carved on ration tins when ammunition ran low. “Hold on. Reinforcements will come,” the message said. “That tiny gesture of faith captures the spirit of Kohima,” he added.
Rio said the two-minute silence was a moment to remember all who fell—including Naga men, women and children who aided the troops. Reflecting on the Kohima Epitaph, he said its message was a moral reminder to promote peace, compassion and unity. He concluded that Nagaland must transform memories of conflict into a message of reconciliation. “Kohima will continue to stand as a beacon of hope and an advocate for humanity,” he said.
Honoured guest Bhaarat Dave, Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission Kolkata, said the gathering was to remember British, Indian and Commonwealth soldiers whose sacrifice turned the tide of the war in the East. He said the Battle of Kohima, often called the “Stalingrad of the East”, marked the Japanese retreat from Southeast Asia and is remembered for its brutal close-quarters combat, including the fighting around the Kohima tennis court.
Dave noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ Day). “Eighty years on, we are paying tribute to the British and Commonwealth veterans worldwide,” he said. Quoting the Kohima Epitaph, he urged renewal of commitment to peace, international friendship and Indo–UK partnership. He thanked the CWGC and Nagaland government for maintaining the cemetery, concluding, “We will remember them. Always.”
Special guest Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said battles fought on the Kohima grounds were to protect the nation. “Whenever we visit this site, we remember those valiant martyrs,” he said. Calling the Second World War historic and significant, he said the soldiers’ bravery continues to inspire. Reflecting on the Kohima Epitaph, he said, “To build a better tomorrow, we must be willing to give our today.” Birla also thanked chief minister Rio, noting the participation of Rio’s father in the war, and said India has always been a land of valour and sacrifice.
The ceremony featured the “Last Post”, two-minute silence, “Flowers of the Forest” played by pipers, and musical performances by the Cantabile Choir, the Sunshine Orchestra, Vila Keditsu & Tajenyuba, and the LFS Children Pipe Band. The event concluded with a bugle call by the Assam Rifles Pipe Band.
The programme, chaired by home commissioner and principal secretary Abhijit Sinha, IAS, included prayers led by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, and laying of wreaths by dignitaries.
The event began with the laying of wreaths by dignitaries, followed by the sounding of the “Last Post” and two minutes of silence. A prayer and scripture reading were led by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima. Musical presentations were given by the Cantabile Choir and Sunshine Orchestra, along with performances by Vila Keditsu and Tajenyuba, and the Little Flower School Children Pipe Band.
Advisor to the chief minister, Abu Metha, delivered the closing remarks. The ceremony concluded with a bugle dismissal by the Assam Rifles Pipe Band.
Earlier, the day’s programme included the flagging off of a Vintage Car Rally by the Nagaland Flatfenders Club, while an evening conversation titled “The Battle of Kohima – Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” was held at Hotel Vivor.