The 73rd Naga Martyrs’ Day was solemnly observed on Saturday at Jotsoma Local Ground and Chedema Peace Camp to honour Zasibito Nagi—the first Naga martyr—and all those who laid down their lives for the Naga national cause. Organised under the aegis of the Naga National Council (NNC) and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), the commemorative events featured tributes, speeches, songs, and calls for unity and reflection.
Delivering the keynote address at Jotsoma, NNC president Gen. (Rtd.) Thinoselie M. Keyho stated that October 18 has been observed annually to pay homage to patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the Naga people’s rights and sovereignty. He expressed gratitude to Jotsoma village for hosting the commemorative event, noting that 2025 marked a significant year in the Naga struggle, with NNC/FGN having celebrated Naga Independence Day at Khonoma—the native village of A.Z. Phizo—and now Martyrs’ Day at Jotsoma, the home of Zasibito Nagi.
“These two historic occasions, at Khonoma and Jotsoma, will be proudly recorded in our history. The future generations of these villages will take pride in what their forefathers have done for our nation,” Keyho stated.
Recounting the events of October 18, 1952, Keyho narrated how people from Kohima and nearby villages staged a peaceful procession in protest against the torture of a Sema youth in Dimapur by Assam Police. Tension escalated when an Indian intelligence officer attempted to disrupt the procession, leading to a police officer firing into the crowd and fatally wounding Zasibito Nagi.
Despite the provocation, Keyho said the Nagas refrained from retaliation and rushed Nagi to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Nagi, a respected elder and Judicial Judge of Kohima Central Court, was laid to rest the following day at his native village, with thousands attending his funeral. The NNC later resolved to observe October 18 annually as Martyrs’ Day.
Paying tribute to all martyrs of the Naga struggle, Keyho said the people owed their freedom and identity to those who had laid down their lives. “They shed their blood so that you and I may live in freedom. Their deaths shall never be in vain,” he said, adding that many were innocent villagers, who fell victim to military operations.
Reaffirming the NNC/FGN’s commitment to the 1951 Naga Plebiscite, Keyho cited the 1929 memorandum to the Simon Commission, warning that the Naga population would be overwhelmed if merged with Indian reforms. He stressed the need to safeguard the region’s natural resources and pure environment, stating, “We must not allow anyone to destroy these blessings in the name of progress or occupation.”
Keyho clarified that the NNC was not against India but sought peaceful coexistence as good neighbours, asserting that the Nagas are culturally, socially, linguistically, and ethnically distinct. “Above all, we are Christians,” he added.
Calling upon the people to renew their commitment to the cause, Keyho urged unity and faith in continuing the struggle. “Let us continue to fight—not with hatred, but with resolve and unity—until the aspirations of the Naga people are fulfilled,” he concluded, with the words, “Long live Nagaland. Kuknalim!”
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Pfüzhalie Nakhro, president of NNC Angami Region. Invocation was offered by Zakiezokho Nisa, pastor of Viphoma Baptist Church, while the welcome address was delivered by Rüdolie Nagi, chairman of Jotsoma Village. Special songs were presented by the Jotsoma Women Organisation and Zayie Kro-u Jotsoma group, and exhortation was given by Zapuvisie Lhousa, Central Executive Member of NNC.
CHEDEMA PEACE CAMP:
At Chedema Peace Camp, FGN Kedahge Kezha Angami led the observance, describing the day as a solemn occasion to honour those who gave their lives for the dignity and freedom of the Naga people. “They may have been ordinary people, but they lived for truth,” he said, calling upon citizens to uphold their legacy through unity and patriotism.
Reflecting on the Naga struggle, Angami said Zasibito Nagi was the first martyr in the Indo-Naga conflict, followed by many others—men and women, young and old—whose sacrifices nurtured the spirit of service and patriotism. “They may have been ordinary people, but they lived for truth, and through their deaths, truth has been made bare,” he stated.
He called upon the present generation to harvest oneness, patriotism, and a sense of purpose from the martyrs’ legacy, adding, “Let us all pledge to keep their legacy alive lest we forget our way home as a people and a nation.”
Sachutho Pojar, general secretary of Pochury Hoho (Western Nagaland), recounted the Matikhrü Massacre of September 6, 1960, during the height of the Naga resistance. He narrated how the Naga Army engaged the 14th Assam Rifles at Thuda outpost near Phor village, leading to the crash-landing of a Dakota aircraft (HJ-233) near the Tizu River. Though the Naga Army captured nine crew members, they were released unharmed in 1962.
However, Pojar said the act of resistance triggered widespread military retaliation, culminating in the Matikhrü Massacre where nine men, including village chief Thah, were tortured and executed by the 16 Punjab Regiment. British journalist Gavin Young later documented the tragedy in his book “The Nagas: An Unknown War.”
Pojar noted the irony that while the Pochury people mark September 6 as Black Day, the same date is commemorated elsewhere as Naga Peace Day. He said remembering Matikhrü is not just about pain but reaffirming identity, strength, and the enduring quest for justice and peace.
In his presentation titled “Mangmetong: From the Horrors of Grouping under the Indian Armed Forces,” Moa Emchen highlighted the ordeal faced by Mangmetong village in Mokokchung district during the 1950s. He traced the village’s role in the Naga National Movement, beginning with the 1929 Naga Club memorandum to the Simon Commission.
Following the 1951 Naga Plebiscite, Mangmetong faced severe military reprisals between 1954 and 1957, including torture, rape, arson, and forced relocation to a grouping camp at Longkhum. Emchen said 78 villagers died due to starvation, disease, and violence, yet the spirit of Naga nationalism remained unbroken.
He said the experiences of Matikhrü and Mangmetong serve as solemn reminders of the sacrifices endured and the resilience guiding the Naga pursuit of peace and self-determination.
Other presentations included “Huker, 24th March 1955: From the Theatre of the Indo-Naga War” by A. Akum Yimkhiung, president of Yimkhiung Union Kohima, and “Massacre at Settsü, 16th June 1956” by Dr. Longpuremen Jamir, president of Settsü Senso Telongjem, Kohima.
Neingusie Nagi shared the legacy of Zasibito Nagi, while Dr. Jalhutsü Chase recalled the sacrificial death of Pelesato Chase on behalf of the Chase family.
The programme was chaired by Yapangnaro Longkumer, with Bible reading and opening prayer led by Rev. Noksa Chiu, secretary (Finance & Property), Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC). A special song was presented by the choir of Chakhesang Baptist Church, Kohima.
In addition to the main programme, the FGN called upon Nagas across villages and regions to lay wreaths or flowers at local monoliths and memorial stones, followed by a two-minute silence in remembrance of the martyrs.