Kohima: Nagaland Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar, accompanied by his wife, visited the World War II cemetery here ton Wednesday and laid the wreath for the soldiers, who gave up their lives during the War.
Official sources said the ‘Shok Shastra’ salute to the martyrs was given by 19th Battalion of Assam Rifles after which the Governor laid a wreath in respect of the fallen soldiers.
The Governor recorded his comments in the visitors’ book “War Cemetery Kohima” presented by Headquarters 3 Corps as “An emotional experience visiting the Cemetery”.
The Governor also recorded his comments in the visitor’s book maintained by Commonwealth War Graves Commission and wrote, “I pay tribute to the parents of the brave men.”
Col Pashant Kumar, Commanding Officer of 19th Assam Rifles, briefly narrated the history of the battle of Kohima to the Governor of Nagaland and his wife and escorted them to the significant spots in the cemetery and explained the events as occurred during the Battle of Kohima particularly the Tennis Court and the Sniper’s Cherry Tree.
The Assam Rifles officers also displayed photographic images of battle of Kohima, after the battle of Kohima and the contribution of the Nagas.
The Governor said he was happy to see the Northern end of the cemetery being improved upon and wished that all concerned put their contributions in it.
He appealed to all the citizens to ensure its cleanliness and sanctity.
The World War II Cemetery is currently maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Association under a caretaker, appointed by the Commonwealth War Graves Association.
The cemetery contains the plaques of 2338 soldiers of the Allied Forces who died in the ‘Battle of Kohima’.
The Cemetery also has a record of all Regiments or Corps of the Allied Forces listed on a granite stone structure. (UNI)
