NSF President Medovi Rhi addressing the 39th NSF Martyrs’ Day 2025 in Kohima on March 20. Morung Photo
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 20
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) today observed 39th NSF Martyrs’ Day 2025 and honoured the sacrifices of the martyrs- Late Kekuojalie Sachü of Kohima village and Late Vikhozo Yhoshü of Kigwema village.
Addressing the gathering at NSF Martyrs’ Park, Kohima, NSF president Medovi Rhi offered his respect and honour in remembrance of the two precious souls whose lives were laid down at the ‘altar of democracy’ 39 years ago.
“On the 20th of March 1986, when thousands of students came forward to extend their solidarity to the NSF to protest against the extension of the Disturbed Areas Act (DAA)- from the 5 km belt to 20 kms along the Indo-Burma border and the introduction of the Indian Police Service cadre in Nagaland (which focused on inducting non-Nagas), Lt. Kekuojalie Sachü of Kohima village and Lt. Vikhozo Yhoshü of Kigwema village succumbed to the indiscriminate firing upon the peaceful agitating students by the armed police forces from Alichen,” Rhi reminded.
39 years ago, he said, “when the aspirations and the existence of the Naga people have been cast upon the shadows of political despair and uncertainty, we took to the streets into that darkness of times and lost two precious lives.”
“Yet through the martyrdom of two noble souls, our aspirations and our hopes were renewed once again with a renewed sense of direction and purpose; our desire and the ultimate goal for peace which is the prayer and the aspiration of the Naga people, thus, came into being,” Rhi said.
To the bereaved family members, the NSF president said “we and the upcoming generations shall remain indebted to the dearly departed souls and shall continue to honour the sacrifices of late Kekuojalie Sachü and late Vikhozo Yhoshü through the pages of history and from the fond memories of our hearts.”
He maintained that history is not just a collection of past events but a living testament that shapes the Naga identity and purpose. He added that the tragic events of March 20, 1986, remain one of the darkest yet most defining moments in the collective journey of the Naga people.
“Today, their legacy lives on in each one of us. As students, as youth, and as members of this community, we must ask ourselves—how do we honor their sacrifice? The answer lies not just in remembrance, but in action. It lies in our commitment to unity, in our courage to stand against injustice, and in our unwavering pursuit of peace. The responsibility is now ours—to ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain,” Rhi said.
Earlier, K. Robvü, Pastor of Mao Baptist Church Kohima invoked God’s blessings. The programme was led by Kevilelhou Zumu, Secretary Games & Sports, NSF.
