Remembering History: Jotsoma marks WWII valor

Our Correspondent JOTSOMA, APRIL 16 The first anniversary of the World War II monument in Jotsoma village in Kohima, set up in tribute to the 33 Corps of the British Army, observed its first anniversary on Thursday. The monument was set up to commemorate Major General John Grover and troopers of the Second Division, 33rd Corps of the British Imperial Army. The monument was erected by the people of Jotsoma at Shohuza. It was inaugurated last year on April 16 by Brig GK Bibby, CBE, Commander of the 15th (North East) Brigade. Celia Grover, daughter-in-law of General Grover and a team of British army among others were attendance during that time. The monument indicates where Maj Gen Grover established his divisional headquarters and skillfully orchestrated his plans to win the famous Battle of Kohima. The monument also speaks of Gen Grover’s exceptional talents in winning the hearts of the villagers. Mention be made that Jotsoma village remained as the only village unoccupied by the Japanese army across the Kohima battlefield. Speaking during the occasion, chairman of the Monument Committee Krurovi Peseyie, said that the war memorial was erected in memory of Maj Gen Grover and his officers and soldiers, honoring their supreme sacrifice during the great Battle of Kohima during World War II in 1944. “As we all know, power, fame and riches come and go according to the passing of time. But history remains unchanged and inspires and helps humankind to understand how to live a better life which is helpful to humanity and thus bring people’s relationship closer and meaningful,” Peseyie said.“We do hope that the monument will remain as a significant symbol of supreme sacrifice, victory and friendship and may an attitude of goodwill towards one another prevail throughout the days to come”. President of Kohima Educational Society, Dr P. Ngully, while describing the “Battle of Kohima” as one of the most significant battles in world history, said Gen Grover skillfully orchestrated his plans from Jotsoma village to win the famous Battle of Kohima. “The Battle of Kohima was won in the little corner of Jotsoma. This monument site at Shohuza is a hallowed ground,” Ngully added. On behalf of the KES, which is a counterpart of the Kohima Educational Trust, based in the United Kingdom, Ngully also thanked the Jotsoma villagers for raising the monument. “By erecting this monument, the village has become a part of the World War II memorials. Through this monument, you have built a bridge across the United Kingdom,” he remarked, adding that the monument tells much about the history of the Second World War. He urged the villagers to always continue to stand for truth, while remembering history. He made it known that KES was a branch of the Kohima Educational Trust, an organization formed by the British Government as a “debt of honor” to the Nagas for their selfless service and immense contribution to the British army during the World War II in 1944. He also informed about the scholarship arranged by KET for Naga students, especially for their elementary and higher education. “The scholarship is given to those kith and kin of Naga soldiers who fought together with the British army against the invading Japanese troops,” he said. During the anniversary, representatives from the Second Division British Army, Kohima Educational Society, Jotsoma Village Council and Jotsoma Students Union also paid homage to the 33rd Corps of the British army led by Maj Gen Grover.