Tongpang Ozukum, Dr. Neikiesalie Kire, Thepfuvilie Suohu and GPPK officials during the release of souvenir marking 75th year of Battle of Kohima in the context of settlement of Gorkhas on December 18. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 18
Nagaland’s Housing & Mechanical Minister, Tongpang Ozukum today called upon the Gorkha community to continue to be the warrior of peace.
“You must continue to the warrior of peace because you are peace loving people,” said Ozukum while speaking at souvenir release programme of World War-II marking the 75th h year of Battle of Kohima in the context of settlement of Gorkha published by Gorkha Public Panchayat Kohima (GPPK) here at Chandmari.
Stating that Nepalis/Gorkhalis are known as simple and humble, he said it is the duty of the present generation to follow the footsteps of the great grandparents and continue to remain strong and united.
He said that Gorkhas are strong because they are united, adding that they do not fear because they are brave.
“The entire world has acknowledged your bravery,” he maintained.
The minister called upon Gorkhas in Nagaland to uphold the legacy of friendship and brotherhood with the different Naga tribes.
Expressing that Gorkhas have been living across Nagaland for past several years and also known as first settlers among the non-Naga communities in Kohima, he said the legacy of friendship and brotherhood should be upheld and continue to live together with mutual respect and cooperation.
Acknowledging the Gorkhas for the immense contribution for the betterment of the Naga society, he said, “I feel that Nagas should also recognize your positive contribution for our society.”
Stating that Gorkhas have rich culture and traditions, ways of life, which is unique and distinct from other communities, he encouraged them to preserve and protect it.
“If you don’t protect your culture and tradition, you will be a lost race, you will disappear in the midst of this diverse culture and tradition,” he cautioned.
Ozukum said that it should be bounden duty to protect and preserve the rich culture and tradition and pass down to the younger generation.
He maintained that the souvenir brought out by GPPK has richly documented the sacrifices of the then brave Gorkhas soldiers and also settlement Gorkha community in different parts of the state, particularly Kohima.
He was optimistic that the souvenir will serve well its purpose.
The minister said that this souvenir is not just a book but it will be a document for posterity and also book of reference for history of Gorkhas and their sacrifices for the younger generation.
Also speaking on the occasion as the honoured guest, urban development and municipal affairs advisor Dr Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire said the past history has been orally passed to the present generation but the efforts towards documenting it in the form of souvenir is laudable.
Maintaining that the brotherly relationship between the Nagas and Gorkhas have been continuing for years altogether, he wished that the relationship keeps on growing till end of the time.
“Let us continue to be brothers and sisters. Let this relationship continue and even become stronger,” he said.
Tsütuonuomia Khel chairman Thepfuvilie Suohu shared on the relationship between the Gorkhas and T. Khel of Kohima village saying Gorkhas are considered as brothers and sisters by T. Khel.
Assuring to uphold the relationship, Suohu also showered traditional blessing upon the endeavours of the Gorkhas.
Souvenir Committee convenor R. N. Lama said “Today, after a lapse of 75 years of the Battle of Kohima, those heroes who fought gallantly and made supreme sacrifice are no more with us and even they have been almost forgotten.”
He said the souvenir under the title “Unfolding the past… the forgotten stories of the Gorkhas of Kohima, attempt to capture a few available information or happening during the WW-II.
The souvenir has been categorized as Pre-war, Course of war – 14 family related stories based on personal experiences that witnessed as well as participated in the battle of Kohima are published; and Aftermath – the post effects, including process of reconstruction of the township of Kohima, he said.
He also said that in aftermath section of the souvenir, the Government of Nagaland having considered the contribution of Gorkhas declared permanently settled Gorkhas as indigenous inhabitant vide notification No. GAB/8/2/9/73 dated 22nd October 1974, has also been highlighted.
Earlier, GPPK president Santu Thapa delivered welcome address while Gorkha Youth Association Kohima (GYAK) president Narayan Bahadur proposed vote of thanks.
Among others, the occasion also witnessed felicitation of the descendants of World War-II, who contributed articles for the souvenir.
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