Sir,
When the Indian National Army (INA) led by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose landed in the Naga soil, it was learned that they came through Phek District en-route to Kohima probably briefed by Some Naga leaders during their meeting in Myanmar. On their way towards Kohima, they met the people from Ruzazho village under Phek district and camped there for a week. During their weeklong camping, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose appointed 10 of the villagers into his league as GB’s (Gaon Bura) and DB’s (Dobashi). It is perhaps the first known administered village where Subhash Chandra Bose appointed people under his wing after reaching the Naga soil so far. Apart from the appointed GB’s and DB’s, the youths volunteered in carrying their rations and other materials which were been carried by the INA to different locations for their new camps.
One of the major moves made by the villagers was returning back their guns and bullets to the British out-post as a sign of supporting India’s freedom movement led by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The chosen GBs, DBs along with the village youths gave their best by taking them around, surveying different areas by risking their very own lives. On one of such occasions, the British army ambushed them and killed one of a Naga Translator; however, the other two Nagas (one translator and one DB from the village) luckily escaped from the jaw of death. One of the survivors is still alive and shares their unending stories.
As they stayed there for a week until the British fighter jet bombed their camp just above the Village and proceeded towards Cesezu base, the villagers played a major role in nurturing and helping the INA. They gave their best-domesticated animals and vegetables for their consumption and also would walked miles to different villages as part of their contribution towards the INA group led by Subhash Chandra Bose. It is worth mentioning that, the villagers firmly backed and support Netaji and thus enabling them to reach Cesezu base safely, where Netaji could monitored the battle of Kohima thereafter. Such bravery shown by the villagers ought to be appreciated and acknowledged as they risked their life for the cause of freedom struggle.
It is very sad to learn that without considering their valuable contributions for India’s Independence, the Indian Army came and tortured the villagers for years. It has been told that the said village was burned downed for seven (7) times during post-Independence. The Indian army instead of recognising their selfless sacrifices being rendered for the cause of freedom struggle, they tortured the villagers in black and blue for years. It is to be noted that one would imagine how hard it would be to re-build the entire burnt villages. Mention may be made that the Village once known for their economic sufficiency was left behind with starvation and backwardness following their enormous contributions towards the Netaji and his INA soldiers.
It is for this reason, the All India Freedom Fighter Successors’ Organization (AIFFSO) Nagaland State Unit, feel that the Indian Government should honourably look into the grievances of the villagers considering their valuable sacrifices made by them and also as part of honouring the commitment made by the INA leader Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Hence, a proposal and appeal to the Honourable Prime Minister to kindly accept the proposal which was submitted by the Government of Nagaland during 20th May 2015 to be adopted as a “National Heritage Village” at Ruzazho and declare it during Netaji Subash Chandra Bose upcoming Birthday on 26th January 2016.
Through this small and charitable act of the government, prospect of rehabilitation of the poor and socially backward villagers are inevitable, the few surviving villagers would witness the promises Netaji had made to them during those trying times.
