Naga Martyrs’ Day which falls on October 18 every year was observed at Old Taxi stand, here, Monday morning.
During the short programme, Naga National Council (NNC) central executive council member, Zapuvisie Lhousa pointed out the location where the first Naga martyr, late Zasibito Nagi was slained by an Assam police officer on October 18, 1952.
Lhousa said although Nagas were aware of the story of late Nagi, with the passing of time people had forgotten the location where he was shot.
Lhousa added that in order to let future generations know the exact location, he thought it was his bounden duty to pinpoint the same so that the knowledge could be passed on.
On that day, a silent procession was held at Kohima to protest against the grievous assault against a Sümi youth by the Assam police in Dimapur.
In the proceedings of that day one Indian Intelligent Officer by the name Captain Verick created a disturbance to the procession, Lhousa disclosed.
He added that during the commotion that ensued, an Assam police officer by the name Dutta fired from his service pistol which critically shot Nagi in the abdomen who later succumbed to his injury at Naga Hospital Kohima on the same day.
On hearing about the news a multitude of people came to mourn late Nagi on October 19, 1952, who was later laid to rest at his native village Jotsoma.
NNC leaders collectively set aside October 18 to be Naga National Martyrs’ Day and to be observed every year in memory of all those who laid down their lives for the Naga cause, Lhousa informed.
It may be mentioned here that late Zasibito Nagi, born in the year 1921 was the son of Vizielhou Nagi from Jotsoma village.
During the time of his demise, late Nagi was serving as the vice president of NNC, Western Angami Group and also a judicial member in the Kohima Central Court.
Every year on October 18, the Naga national flag is flown at half-mast as a mark of respect to the Naga martyrs.
Monday’s gathering was attended by family members of late Nagi, representatives from Angami Youth Organisation, Western Angami Public and Youth Organizations, Jotsoma Students’ Union, Naga National Workers and women representatives.
The gathering observed a one-minute silent prayer followed by benediction from Lhousa.
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