As part of the year-long celebration to commemorate 75th anniversary of the battle of Kohima, gallantry award were restored to descendants of Naga veterans at an event held at a Kohima hotel on Thursday.
Also read: Manipur pays glowing tributes to martyrs of Battle of Imphal
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
The event was organized by Kohima Education Trust (KET) and Kohima Educational Society (KES).
According to reports, speaking on the occasion as a guest of honour, chief secretary Temjen Toy remarked that the battle that was fought in ‘our land’ had changed the history of the Nagas as well as the world forever.
He said the State government had decided to observe the 75th anniversary of the battle by organizing various activities throughout the year to remember those who took part and lost lives.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
He lauded Kohima Educational Trust and Kohima Educational Society for organizing the programme in honour of Naga war veterans in a befitting manner.
KES chairman Dr Phyobemo Ngully, who chaired the programme, remarked that while the British veterans remember their Naga counterparts with gratitude and honouring them with whatever way they could, ‘we have failed to remember and recognize them’.
The guests of honour gave descendants of four soldiers with OBE and MBE, 12 with BEM, three with Military Cross, 11 with Military Medal, two with Mention in Despatches with Certificate – A, five with Mention in Despatches with Certificate – B, five with Mention in Despatches without certificates and Neibotha Mekro with Indian Distinguished Services Medal with only certificate.
Descendants of the Naga war veterans and descendants of British soldiers also addressed the gathering.
The programme was attended by 20 descendants of British and Naga veterans, besides well-wishers and others.