Naga National Martyrs’ Day Message from Kezha Angami

My Dear Citizens of the Federal Republic of Nagaland,

Today, the 18th of October 2025, we once again gather to remember and pay our respect and homage to our martyrs who gave their lives selflessly so that we may live with our heads held high as a people and nation, free and sovereign. It is a solemn occasion for life and blood are precious, sacred and sacrosanct in the building and defence of a nation and our martyrs have paid for the future of our nation with the most precious and sacred gift, the gift of life and blood.

In our struggle against aggression by our neighbour, India, Zasibituo of Jotsoma village was the first to be martyred but he was not to journey alone as many men and women, both young and old, stood up to make the journey into the afterlife so that we could make sense of our existence as a nation in this life in spite of our size, shape or form. Every region and every nook and corner of Nagaland has its share of such martyrs whose blood has seeped deep into the very soil of our country and has nurtured our sense of service and patriotism for our nation. Their unparalleled courage and ultimate sacrifice inspire us the values of truth, justice and patriotism, and courage of life and blood we must also remember that it was not just their death but the life that they have lived for our nation. They may have been seemingly ordinary people but they have lived for truth and in their deaths truth has been made bare.

They have lived and died on the same ground that we live, till and build today. It is my hope and belief that we harvest oneness, patriotism and a sense of truth and purpose for the footprints and blood of our martyrs have enriched the very soul and soil of our country. Today, we can honour them by choosing to plant the seeds of oneness, patriotism, truth and courage towards building a greater tomorrow. Let us all pledge to keep their legacy alive lest we forget our way home as a people and Nation. God bless Nagaland. Kuknalim!

Kezha Angami

Kedahge, Federal Government of Nagaland