World War I Sumi Naga Labor Corps Association, under the aegis of Sumi Hoho, organized a centenary celebration at Town Hall, Zunheboto on December 29 where over 2000 people including descendants of the Sumi Naga Labor Corps members attended the programme.
Sumi Hoho media affairs secretary, Vinoka K. Rotokha, in a press release said the program marked the momentous occasion in Sumi history, where 100 years before, Kuhoi Zhimomi Sema Naga (Sukhai), assisted by Hekikhe Awomi (Surumi), led 2000 Nagas, who were recruited and designated as 21st Naga Labor Corps, forming an expeditionary force, to assist the allied war effort in the European theatre of WW1.
Of the 2000 recruited, 1000 were of the Sema Naga tribe, 400 Lothas, 200 Aos, 200 Rengmas; and 200 Chang and other trans frontier tribes, Rotokha stated. In his welcome note, Dr. Kuhoi Zhimomi said that Sumis were celebrating 100 years to honour the 21st Naga Labor Corps and pay them homage and to the memories of those who never returned.
He asserted that this chapter in Naga history should always be remembered to awaken a sense of Naga identity.
Sumi Hoho president, Hekhushe Shikhu, gave a synopsis of how this centenary celebration was planned and organized. Short speeches were also delivered by SKK, STH and Sumi Kukami Hoho.
Dr. Hotokhu Chishi gave a slide-show presentation on how the Corps came about and its courage and struggles in the three months they were away. He also exhibited pictures of materials the returnees brought back and highlighted the need for a museum for these.
Former Sumi Hoho president Dr. HS Rotokha, who was the guest speaker, unveiled the souvenir, and also highlighted how, among the diverse labor corps from different races and nations, the Sumi tribe displayed their courage and bravery in the face of inclement weather and enemy bombardment when others were cowering and huddled up in fear.
Coming together as part of one group, and facing months of hardened labour, Nagas built a brotherly and unified relationship during their stay in France — a precursor for Naga nationalism, and the consequent formation of Naga Club. On the occasion, a 10 point resolution was adopted (See on p-7).
Highlights of the programme included Lejole (Folk song) by Shena Old, a song sung by the Labor corps which highlighted the perils of their arduous journey. Another Lejole was presented by Yehemi Village.
The program was chaired by Dr. Hotokhu Chishi.
Vote of thanks was delivered by Mughato Jimomi and Rev. Dr. Vitoho Jimomi pronounced the benediction followed by a centenary feast.
Resolutions Adopted
1. That Sümi Hoho recognizes the heroic, historic and legendary Sumi (Sema) Naga Labour Corps with pride who fearlessly and sacrificially took part in the First World War in foreign land and honor their noble services in the war that changed the global history of mankind. We honor and acknowledge the role they played in awakening the consciousness of Naga identity.
2. That Sümi Hoho stands on the fact that out of 2000 who went to Europe to assist the allied forces as Naga Labour Corps in the WW-I, 1000 were from Sümi (Sema) Naga tribe alone.
3. That the concept of Naga political consciousness certainly evolved from the experience of the Labour Corps exposure to overseas during the war; which in turn inspired the Naga elders of that era to an agreed concept of the Naga Nationalism that was ultimately inscribed in the Naga Club Memorandum subsequently submitted to the Simon Commission of the British India on the 10th of January 1929.
4. That the historical contribution of the Naga Labour Corps in the WW-I deserve a rightful place in the field of educational and academic institutions at all levels of School, College, and University.
5. That the Government of India and the State Government of Nagaland should provide ample opportunities and logistics support to the Naga Scholars for further research works of the 21st Naga Labour Corps’ contributions to the First World War for the Allied powers in the European theatre of war.
6. That the Commonwealth War Graves Commission should recognize the ultimate sacrifice of Naga Labour Corps and initiate a sponsored tour to visit of the various graveyards located in France to enable the descendants to physically pay homage to their forefathers.
7. That the Commonwealth Graves Commission erect a monument in memory of the 21st Naga Labour Corps sacrificial contributions in the World War I in Nagaland.
8. That the ingenious concept of the Naga identity shown by the Naga Labour Corps who served in World War I was a precursor for Naga Nationalism and the existing sustenance of its spirit is certainly a reality which must be honored, remembered, and respected by all the Nagas.
9. That under the aegis of Sumi Hoho, an appropriate forum shall be constituted to represent the cause of 21st Naga Labour Corps in National and International platforms.
10. That WW-I Sümi Naga Labour Corps Association hereby resolve to form and register a society for the descendants of Sümi Labour Corps WW-I.