UKHRUL, AUG 21: The 52nd Lt. H. Bosii (Kilonser) Memorial Trophy Tournament, organised by the Ekhramei Students’ Union (ESU), concluded at New Makhan today after a two-day event held from August 21–22.
A total of 24 teams participated in different categories in the tournament, held in memory of late Lt. H. Bosii, a senior functionary of the Naga national movement.
Rev. A. Puni, member of the collective leadership, NSCN/GPRN, attended the inaugural programme as chief guest, while Layee Daniel, steering executive member, NSCN/GPRN, was the guest of honour.
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Others present included Athili, convenor, Mao National Worker; Puis N. Bosii, SEM, NSCN/GPRN; H. Chokho Romeo, SEM, NSCN/GPRN; N. Athikho, president, Mao Council; Shuli Chakre, president, Mao Students’ Union; and K. Heni, secretary (retd.), Nagaland.
The inaugural programme opened with a prayer led by Pastor B. Daniel of the Makhan Christian Union. Folk songs were presented by the New Makhan and Makhan Khullen Women’s Societies, followed by special numbers from Dziipane and Rachel Aruo.
The welcome address was delivered by ESU president Manekho Khrasi, while ESU general secretary Tuni Khrasi presented the introduction and programme overview. The blessing was pronounced by A. Makaba, headman of Makhan Khullen.
SP Peter Khrasi, IRS (Retd.), former chairman of the Manipur Commission for Scheduled Tribes, narrated the life and contribution of Lt. H. Bosii.
According to the account presented at the programme, Lt. H. Bosii was born in 1933 and completed his matriculation in 1962. He began his career as a government teacher at Yangkhullen before joining the Naga national movement, then led by the Naga National Council (NNC), in 1966.
He was remembered as a courageous and committed worker of the Naga movement who rose through the ranks to become joint secretary and later Kilonser within eight years of joining the movement.
During his service, Lt. Bosii was reportedly captured twice by the Indian Army and subjected to severe torture. Following his experiences in detention, he resolved not to be captured again and carried a knife, according to the account, determined to face death with honour.
On the night of August 21, 1974, Lt. Bosii and his companions were travelling towards the Ukhrul-Burma border for a meeting when they halted at Bviisho near Koide.
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The hut where they were staying was surrounded by the Indian Army. Lt. Bosii was shot while attempting to escape from the firing.
The Army reportedly searched the area but failed to locate his body. In the days that followed, Makhan villagers conducted a search and found him at the corner of a field, where he had hidden before succumbing to his bullet injuries.
Lt. Bosii was remembered at the programme as one of the senior functionaries of the Naga national movement killed during the period of armed conflict. Speakers described him as a man of principle and integrity, and as an educator, disciplinarian and diplomat.
Layee Daniel, in his address, acknowledged the service and sacrifice of Lt. Bosii and urged the present generation of Naga national workers to uphold his principles and integrity.
He called upon national workers to follow a righteous path and lead truthful and godly lives, referring to the motto, “Nagalim for Christ.”
Daniel also said the Naga movement was a people’s movement and that every Naga was a stakeholder, acknowledging the contributions of Nagas from different walks of life.
Rev. A. Puni Mao, who joined the Naga national movement in 1974, recalled Lt. Bosii’s contribution and sacrifice, saying he had placed the Naga cause above all else.
He recalled that Lt. Bosii had warmly welcomed and encouraged him to join the movement after he expressed his desire to serve the Naga cause following his theological studies.
Rev. Puni also acknowledged the contributions of national workers from Makhan who had been involved in the Naga movement from its early days and continued to serve the cause.
Speaking on the broader Naga political movement, Rev. Puni described Th. Muivah, Ato Kilonser of NSCN/GPRN, as a chosen Naga leader who had internationalised the Naga political movement and brought the peace process to the signing of the Framework Agreement between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India.
He expressed concern over what he described as a lack of sincerity on the part of the Government of India even after the signing of the agreement.
Rev. Puni also recalled the parents of Lt. Bosii, saying they had challenged anyone who possessed the spirit and principles of their son to come forward and meet them.
He appreciated the ESU for organising the memorial tournament and inviting him, saying he had long been waiting for an opportunity to speak about Lt. Bosii’s legacy and the spirit of the people of Makhan and their love for the Naga cause.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by ESU speaker Salow Kaihrii, followed by a benediction by Fr. Kaisii, SDB.
The tournament was formally kicked off by the chief guest.
