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Kohima: Remembrance Day Programme was held at Kohima War Cemetery today which was attended by the British Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Andrew Fleming.
In his special address, Dr. Andrew Fleming acknowledged the Nagaland Chief Minister and the State government for hoisting ‘Remembrance day’ since the battle of Kohima. He stated that the Commonwealth War Graves Association assisted by the Nagaland State did a remarkable job in the maintenance of the War Cemetery, the resting place of so many heroes.
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He mentioned that it is perhaps the cause of its remoteness to Europe that the battle of Kohima is often referred to as ‘The Forgotten Battle’.
Speaking on the Battle of Kohima, Fleming stated that the bravery of the British and Indian forces and few allies from Australia and Canada, many of them still play a critical part in our history. He said that we are gathered here today not only to remember those who have fallen but also those who participated in this historic battle and stated “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it and, we dare not, to forget”.
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Meanwhile, Chief Minister, Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio called to the attention of the words inscribed on the Kohima epitaph: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.” Stating that these words serve as a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made, urging us to carry forward the torch of remembrance and respect for those who served.
Rio expressed his utmost appreciation to Dr. Andrew Fleming, for being the initiative behind the Remembrance Day program and for taking all necessary steps to ensure a successful partnership with the British High Commission and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, in the observance of this global event in Kohima. He further said, “We stand together at the iconic Kohima War Cemetery, on this solemn occasion of Remembrance Day, to honor the memory of those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of peace, justice, and freedom. This Kohima War Cemetery, located in the State capital, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during this battle.”
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The Kohima War Cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It is the resting place of 1,420 Allied soldiers, and also the place where 917 other soldiers were cremated according to their faith.
Seventy-nine years ago, the people of this land witnessed one of the fiercest battles of World War II-the Battle of Kohima. It was here that Allied and Indian forces joined hands in a courageous stand, halting the advance of enemy forces and shifting the tides of war.
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