The annual World War II Peace Rally, commemorating the Battle of Kohima, was held at the WWII Museum Complex in Kisama Heritage Village on December 2. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | December 2
The annual World War II Peace Rally, commemorating the Battle of Kohima, was held at the WWII Museum Complex in Kisama Heritage Village on December 2.
Now in its 14th edition, the rally was initiated in 2011 by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to preserve and retell stories of war and peace.
A convoy of 23 jeeps and one Nissan vehicle participated in the event after completing a 48-hour journey from Chümoukedima to Kisama.
During the event, it was highlighted that the Battle of Kohima often regarded as the turning point of the Second World War in the East left a dramatic mark on the region. Once a battlefield, the historic Garrison Hill has now been transformed into an eco-park.
The event was attended by Chief Host Dr Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, and chief guest H E Dr Kevin Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to India.
Speaking at the event, T J Longkumer, IPS (Rtd) Rally Commander reflected on the significance of remembering courage and sacrifice. “I have a story to tell about courage and sacrifice it would not exist if there were no history,” he said. He added that the rally was born from the vision of one man, Dr Rio.
“The vehicles here represent history. They fought during the Battle of Kohima a clash of civilizations and political ideologies that brought pain and sorrow to the Nagas, but also opened the eyes of the world. Today, we stand here as a free, democratic country celebrating the Hornbill Festival,” he stated.
He noted that the rally began with 27 vehicles and continues with pride. “Six vehicles fought in the battle and were shot. The Nagaland Flatfenders was formed to restore and preserve these historic machines. We call this initiative ‘Heritage on Wheels.’ Let there be peace and harmony,” he concluded.
In his address, Chief Minister Rio said the World War II Peace Rally has been held for the past 14 years to honour the past and showcase vintage weapons, jeeps, and equipment used by Allied forces in the historic Battle of Kohima.
“It brings back memories—both good and painful. Though it was not our war, it impacted the Nagas profoundly,” he said. The rally, he stressed, reaffirms the shared commitment to living in peace not only in Nagaland but across the world.
Rio recalled the observance of Remembrance Day on November 11, during which representatives from the British High Commission paid homage at Kohima. “Soldiers from across the world fought together and sacrificed equally. Today we celebrate these vintage vehicles to promote, propagate, and campaign for peace,” he added.
He also highlighted ongoing collaboration with Japan. Japanese language is being taught in Nagaland University, with teachers’ and Lectures salaries supported by the Japanese Government to enable Nagas to seek employment opportunities in Japan.
Rio informed that a memorial stone has been erected as the Kohima Peace Memorial, and on November 29 he inaugurated an eco-park in the compound adjacent to the Kohima Cultural Hall in the heart of the town.
