“When you go home tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today.” The Kohima Epitaph, found on the memorial for the soldiers who fell in the Battle of Kohima during the Burma Campaign of World War II.
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Kohima, November 11 (MExN): The ‘Remembrance Day’ ceremony was held at the Kohima War Cemetery, Kohima to honour the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the Second World War. The event held on November 11 was graced by Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio as the Special Guest and Bhaarat Dave, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, as the Honoured Guest. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also attended the ceremony, stated a DIPR report.
Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio said the 2024 ceremony marked the first official commemoration of Remembrance Day by the State Government, held in partnership with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). The CM announced that the observance would now be held as an annual State event to honour the shared legacy of courage and sacrifice.
Dr Rio described the Kohima War Cemetery as a living testament to extraordinary courage, noting that 1,420 Allied soldiers are buried and 917 cremated nearby, making a total of 2,331 who fell during the Battle of Kohima - one of the fiercest battles of World War II. He said the stand taken by Allied, Indian, and Naga forces halted the eastward advance and changed the course of history.
He also recalled his late father’s participation in World War II as a scout in the eastern front during the Japanese occupation of Burma, reflecting the deep historical connection of the Naga people to the events of that time.
Dr Rio highlighted stories of bravery, including soldiers who carved messages on ration tins during the siege, symbolising the unyielding spirit of Kohima. He acknowledged the contributions of the Naga people who supported the troops, calling their courage one of the proudest chapters in Nagaland’s history.
Quoting the Kohima Epitaph, he said the peace enjoyed today was purchased with the highest price and urged all to uphold peace, compassion, unity, and mutual respect.
He stated that Remembrance Day holds a unique significance for Nagaland, where the bonds of sacrifice forged in 1944 continue to transcend generations and borders. He emphasised that Nagaland’s story, once shaped by battle, must now be a voice for peace, unity, and brotherhood, with Kohima standing as a beacon of hope and humanity. The CM also paid tribute to veterans and the fallen heroes.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid homage to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Second World War, describing the occasion as a day of remembrance and inspiration for all.
Birla said that the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Kohima continue to inspire generations. He remarked that the Second World War was not only a historic conflict but also a testament to the bravery and determination of those who fought to defend their nation.
Om Birla lauded the commitment of Nagaland’s leadership and security personnel for maintaining morale and dedication in the region.
Birla concluded that India has always been a land of warriors and bravery, and that the legacy of courage demonstrated by its soldiers will forever remain a source of pride and inspiration.
British Deputy High Commissioner Bhaarat Dave paid tribute to the British, Indian, and Allied soldiers who fell during the Second World War. Dave thanked Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Advisor Abu Metha, and the Government of Nagaland for instituting the annual event, calling it “a fitting tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen.” Recalling the Battle of Kohima as a turning point in the war, he said the courage and endurance shown by the troops “safeguarded the freedoms we cherish today.”
Dave reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to peace, friendship, and the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and India, and thanked the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Government of Nagaland for maintaining the cemetery.
The event began with the laying of wreaths by dignitaries and guests, followed by the sounding of the “Last Post” and two minutes of silence.
A prayer and scripture reading were led by Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, with musical presentations by the Cantabile Choir and Sunshine Orchestra. Performances by Vila Keditsu and Tajenyuba, as well as the Little Flower School Children Pipe Band, added to the ceremony’s significance.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Abu Metha, delivered the closing remarks. The ceremony concluded with a bugle dismissal by the Assam Rifles Pipe Band. The day’s programme also featured the flagging off of a Vintage Car Rally and in the evening, a conversation event titled “The Battle of Kohima - Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” at Hotel Vivor.
