Madam
Eastern Mirror coverage on June 22 of the Battle of Kohima was excellent – 7 decades there and a century of 1st Great War indeed moved me. Partly following Mahatma Gandhi’s call our family joined British war efforts in both the wars. Our uncle was a Havildar (prestigious then for natives) in Mesopotamia (Iraq). 3 stripes were awarded to him and Kazi Nazrul Islam (Dhaka national poet) for not revolting against British officers (1914). Branding “non-martial” Bengali “paltan” was disbanded and sent to barrack. Our father was a Master Warrant Officer in Air Force who was injured and captured at Singapore (1942). His refusal to switch over to Indian National Army led him to Formosa (Taiwan) POW camp. He returned a physical and mental wreck. Free India (1947) rejected his Invalid Pension on ground of less service period. Our attorney wrote to GB citing his services and family plight. Post haste 4 medals, a pound cheque @ a pound a month a child for education alone (please refer to KET) with arrears and a promise of continuity in future from War Army Personnel Scheme (WAPS) reached my mother. A letter of high appreciation was there. Further Delhi was informed that in case of its inability to pay, London would send it directly. Then GoI paid after a decade or so. We have been traditionally sincere in every relationship. British respected the fighting men. This young man enjoyably approaching 77 years of age at Naga capital where Green rays are yet visible during sunset hope to see the platinum anniversary (2019) as mentioned by Charles Chasie quoting Tourism commissioner of Nagaland.
P. Ganguly
Kohima
