Tour of NSF trophy reaches Kohima village

The tour of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy to all Naga homeland for the upcoming 25th edition reached Kohima village

Published on Mar 20, 2025

NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy being brought to KVC hall by ASU president Khriesamhalie David Mere and KVSU president Khriesaneikuo Kire in Kohima village on Thursday. (EM Images)
KOHIMA — The tour of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy to all Naga homeland for the upcoming 25th edition reached Kohima village, the home of Kekuojalie Sachü, following the launch at the NSF Martyrs’ Park in Kohima on Thursday morning.
The trophy was taken on a tour around Kohima village and town before a programme was held at the Kohima village council hall.
Addressing the event, Prasielie Pienyü, chairman of NHHDC Ltd., and former president of the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) and Kohima Village Students’ Union (KVSU), recounted that in 1986, the NSF had organised a peaceful protest and called for student volunteers to demonstrate against the state government’s decision to introduce Indian Police Service (IPS) cadres and extend the Disturbed Area Belt along the Indo-Myanmar border from 5 km to 25 km.

During the protest, Kekuojalie Sachü and Vikhozo Yhoshü were among the volunteers. Pienyü recalled that the protest was held amid the ongoing session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) and that Section 144 CrPC was imposed from the Assembly Junction to Razhu Point.
On that fateful day, as the protest was about to begin, armed personnel opened fire, injuring many and taking the lives of Kekuojalie Sachü and Vikhozo Yhoshü, Pienyü recounted.
Pienyü asserted that the duo gave their lives for the common cause of the Nagas and became NSF Martyrs, adding that it is befitting to honour them for their supreme sacrifice on March 20.
In their memory, the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy was introduced under the initiative of the Angami Students’ Union (ASU). Initially, the tournament was played among the four ranges of ASU. But in 1992, it was expanded into an open tournament with 33 teams participating in its first edition.

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He further expressed hope that the trophy would foster greater understanding and unity among the people.
Meanwhile, Hielievio Solo, chairman of KVC, paid tribute to Kekuojalie Sachü and Vikhozo Yhoshü and stated that the Naga national cause does not belong to a single community or tribe but to all Nagas.
He warned that if any individual or group attempts to claim ownership, the true intent of the Naga movement would not be realised.
As the steering committee would now take the trophy on tour to various corners of the Naga homeland, he urged them to preach unity among the Nagas, beyond the tournament, as a fitting tribute to the two martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for the Naga cause.
Solo also called for peace and unity among the Nagas, emphasising that Nagas cannot have 28 nations and that none of the political groups have the mandate of the public. He urged the student community to spread the message of unity.
A life tribute to Kekuojalie Sachü was made by his younger brother Zakievo-u Sachü. He also expressed gratitude to NSF, ASU and KVSU for their initiative and added that their great works would remain etched in the hearts of the family members.
Keneingu Albert Rutsa, KVSU team coach (1998), called for peace and understanding among the Naga community as the trophy continues its tour across the Naga homeland.
The welcome address was delivered by Khriesaneikuo Kire, KVSU president, and a song was presented by Vidisenuo Belho.