An elderly man being felicitated during the celebration of the Iconic Week at Ruzazho village, Phek district. (Photo Courtesy: PRO, HQ IGAR (N))
Ruzazho, January 18 (MExN): In celebration of the Iconic Week to commemorate the 126th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a function was held at Ruzazho village, Phek district by Assam Rifles on January 18.
The ceremony was organised to “remember the nine day stay of Netaji in this village during the advance of the Indian National Army (INA) towards Kohima in March 1944 after crossing the Chindwin River.”
A press release from the PRO, HQ IGAR (N) stated that Ruzhazho was also the first Indian village liberated from British control by Azad Hind Fauj. Subsequently, the village was administered by Azad Hind Government under Netaji. The village has been identified due to Evangelist Poswuyi Swurov, a 104 years old veteran freedom fighter and Cekrolhu Swuro, who served under Netaji and are living witness to narrate the heroic acts of INA. Netaji had appointed Evangelist Poswuyi Swuro as DB Area Administrator of the village, the PRO stated.
The village of over 2000 persons celebrated their connection with Netaji by hoisting the national flag at each house. As mark of respect, the entire village along with the officers and soldiers of the Assam Rifles carried out a march-past, it added.
The event started with hoisting of National flag with 80 gun salute by Assam Rifles. 378 balloons of 126 each in saffron, white and green colours depicting the tri-colour were released with the message of peace and prosperity. 200 books titled ‘The Lions of Bharat – Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose & INA’ written by Prof Kapil Kumar were also distributed to the villagers, it stated.
Maj Gen VikasLakhera, SM, Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), chief guest of the occasion felicitated Evangelist Poswuyi Swuro and other personalities of the village. Swuro, also shared his experiences and history of the stay of Netaji in the village for nine days.
As part of the Iconic week, an array of activities are being organised at various places associated with Netaji to include Andaman & Nicobar Island, Kohima, Imphal, Surat, Cuttak and Kolkata from January 17 to 23.
