Our Correspondent
Jotsoma | February 18
The 12th dead anniversary “brig.” Reivilie Angami took place here today at the Zasibito Martyrs Park. Several people including “gen.” Thienoselie Keyho, “capt.” Kolhulie Nagi, Kaka Iralu and others spoke on the occasion and recalled the immense contributions made by Reivilie Angami for the cause of Nagas.
The function was chaired by Vizosielhu, general secretary of NNC while dedication of epitome was done by Thienoselie Keyho. Reivilie Angami was born in 1923 to Lhutsure Nagi of Jotsoma village. He joined the British Indian Army of the Assam Regiment on 23rd July 1943 and trained as a soldier in Happy Valley, Assam.During the World War-II along with the allied forces he fought in the Naga Hills, Manipur and Burma campaign and earned the Burma Star 1939- 1946, World War- II Medal and the Indian Independence Medal- 1947. He was also awarded Gallantry certificate and released from service in October 1948.
After returning from Assam Regiment, he joined the Naga National Council in 1949. His involvement in politics got intensified after his cousin Zasibito Nagi was shot dead in 1951 which caused mass panic. He became actively involved in the youth movement NNC from 1952, a brief history received here said.
He along with a comrade Dotsolie Vehienuo convened a Naga youth meeting where few tribes were present and formed the Naga Safe Guard from January 1-3, 1956. Later, it was converted into Naga Home Guard- Naga Army as well. He was conferred the rank of “major” on 3 January 1956.
He was then given the charge of “western command” by the “Federal Government of Nagaland” in 1956. He was later promoted to the rank of “brigadier” on April 27, 1957 by the FGN. Angami was arrested and transferred to Central Jail, Rae Bareilly in India for 6 years and 4 months. In spite of a ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and the FGN in 1964, he was not released. He was transferred to Nagaland for release, but was further detained for violating Governors’ ‘order’ based on the plea that “unless or until AZ Phizo returns to Nagaland, this man shall never be released which was reaffirmed by the five officials and condemned him as a charismatic figure.”
However, it said, in a daring attempt Angami escaped from Kohima jail on May 16, 1967. He reunited with his comrades and continued to serve as “brigadier” in the “Naga army” refusing any ‘promotion.’ He was branded as the most wanted by the Government of India and continued to operate the jungle in search of him. Reivilie’s eldest son Zhadilhulie also joined as “sgt. major” in 1965, while he was in jail. Zhadilhulie was “commissioned” to go abroad and on the way to Pakistan he died on 12th December 1968.
Unfortunately, Reivilie was again arrested in June 1, 1972 by the Indian army. He was finally released after 4 months by the GOC of Jakhama due to his deteriorating health. In 1976, he led his former comrades to Chumukedima and established a new village- Vidima. He took the charge of the group’s church 1976-1983 and became a deacon of Vidima Baptist Church till his death on February 18, 1998. “The legacy of his sacrificial service rendered to the nation shall be remembered and treasured,” stated a note from the brief history.
