NSF leaders and others pay tributes to the martyrs in Kohima
on Thursday.
KOHIMA — Naga
Students’ Federation (NSF) on Thursday observed its 39th Martyrs’ Day at NSF
Martyrs’ Park in Kohima and also launched the trophy tour for the 25th
anniversary edition of NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy.
The trophy is expected to travel to every Naga homeland in
178 days and culminate at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima on September 13
coinciding with the inauguration of NSF trophy.
In his presidential address, NSF president, Medovi Rhi,
offered respect to Kekuojalie Sachü of Kohima village and Vikhozo Yhoshü of
Kigwema village, whose lives were laid down at the altar of Democracy 39 years
ago.
He narrated how on March 20, 1986, when thousands of
students came forward to extend their solidarity with the NSF in protest
against the extension of the Disturbed Areas Act (DAA)—from the 5 km belt to 20
km along the Indo-Burma border and the introduction of the Indian Police
Service cadre in Nagaland (which focused on inducting non-Nagas), Kekuojalie
Sachü and Vikhozo Yhoshü succumbed to the indiscriminate firing by the armed
police forces from Alichen.
Also view:
He stated that through the martyrdom of two noble souls, the
aspirations and hopes reignited with a renewed sense of direction and purpose.
He added that the upcoming generations should remain indebted to the departed
souls and continue to honour their sacrifices.
He reminded that history is not just a collection of past
events but a living testament that shapes identity and purpose saying, that
“the tragic events of March 20, 1986, remains one of the darkest yet most
defining moments in our collective journey.”
“To honour the legacy of the two souls lies in the
commitment to unity, in courage to stand against injustice, in unwavering
pursuit of peace and the responsibility is now ours—to ensure that their
sacrifice was not in vain,” Rhi said.
On the 25th anniversary edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial
Trophy, he stated that sports has the power to unite, to inspire and to forge
resilience adding that the tournament is more than just a game but a tribute to
history, a symbol of unyielding spirit and a reaffirmation of commitment to a
just society.
Convenor of the steering committee, Medo Yhokha, expressed
his honour to the sacrifices made by the two students 39 years ago. He
recommitted to continue honouring their names by sustaining their fights in
being as defenders for their rights and as champions of their dignity.
He also conveyed gratitude to all the leaders of the present
and past, who have given their best for the Naga society. He believed that the
event would also convey solidarity to all the Naga people living at the extreme
fringes of Naga homeland and the people living in unique Naga villages and
across the border.
He stated that the trophy is expected to travel the entire
breadth and length of the Naga homeland in almost 178 days.
