Gorkha revisit WW II experience, history in Nagaland

Our Correspondent

Kohima, Dec. 18 (EMN): Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kohima of the Second World War, a souvenir that also contextualised the settlement of the Gorkha people was published by the Gorkha Public Panchayat of Kohima.

The souvenir was released by the minister for Housing and Mechanical, Tongpang Ozukum, on December 18 during a programme at Chandmari in Kohima.

The publication narrates accounts and narration from members of the community concerning their experience and participation in the Battle of Kohima. The souvenir has sections that state their experiences during the pre-war period, course of war and the impact on the community besides the process of reconstruction of the town of Kohima.

Releasing the souvenir “Unfolding the past….the forgotten stories of the Gorkhas of Kohima,” the minister recalled the fabled and globally recognised bravery of Gorkha fighters. While emphasising on the friendship of the Naga people and the Gorkha people, Ozukum told them to uphold the legacy of friendship and brotherhood, and to live together with mutual respect and cooperation.

The minister acknowledged the contribution of the Gorkha people in the building and development of the state.

Also, Ozukum called the souvenir not just a book but a document for posterity, a reference of history for youngsters. He said that the Gorkha community has a unique, distinct and rich culture and traditions. The minister urged the community to preserve and protect their culture.

“If you don’t protect your culture and tradition, you will be a lost race in this world of diverse culture,” he said in caution.

According to the minister, the Gorkha were known as a simple and humble people, yet a community known for valour recognised by history. The minister asked the present generation to uphold the legacy of their forefathers and told them ‘to continue be warriors of peace.’

The advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Dr. Neikiesalie Kire, also attended the event as the programme’s honoured guest. He lauded the efforts of the Gorkha Public Panchayat of Kohima for documenting the community’s history in the form of a souvenir.

Kire maintained that the brotherly relations between the Naga people and the Gorkha have been continuing for a long time. He expressed hope that the relations would ‘keep growing till end of the time.’

The chairman of Tsütuonuomia khel of Kohima village, Thepfuvilie Suohu, was the special guest of the occasion. He spoke about the relations between the Gorkha community and the people of T Khel saying that the former are considered brothers and sisters at T Khel.

Suohu maintained that the relations will be upheld, and spoke of blessings upon the endeavours of the Gorkha people.

Delivering the keynote address of the event, the convenor of the souvenir committee RN Lama said, “Today, after a lapse of 75 years of the Battle of Kohima, those heroes who fought gallantly and made supreme sacrifice are no more with us and even they have been almost forgotten.”

‘Therefore, this souvenir under the title “Unfolding the past… the forgotten stories of the Gorkhas of Kohima,” attempts to capture a few available information or happening during the WW-II.’ 

The souvenir has accounts that have been categorized into sections for ‘pre-war,’ ‘course of war’ and 14 family related stories based on personal experience through witnessing or participating in the Battle of Kohima; and ‘aftermath,’ which narrates the impact including the process of reconstruction of Kohima township, he said. 

Lama added that the government of Nagaland after having considered the contribution of the Gorkha people declared the permanently settled Gorkha people as indigenous inhabitants through a notification dated October 22 1974.

Earlier in the programme, Tongpang Ozukum unfurled the flag of the Gorkha Public Panchayat of Kohima, besides lighting a ceremonial lamp.