NSF Martyrs’ Park renovated under Kohima Smart City project

December 18, 2022 26 Views No Comment

Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 18

The renovated NSF (Naga Students’ Federation) Martyrs’ Park Kohima was inaugurated by Nagaland Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Minister Neiba Kronu on December 17.

This park, renovated under Kohima Smart City project, was dedicated by Rev Dr Vevo Phesao, senior pastor, Chakhesang Baptist Church, Minister’s Hill Kohima.

Inaugurating this park, Kronu said that NSF represents the sentiment of the Naga people, adding that the platform of NSF “is dear to all of us.” Kronu, who was also a former president of NSF, thanked Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Kohima Smart City Development Limited for re-development of NSF Martyrs’ Park under Kohima Smart City Project.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Kaisu Chakre, Secretary Games & Sports NSF while Benjong Longchar, Secretary Social & Culture NSF proposed vote of thanks.

‘Lt Kekuojalie and Lt Vikhozo are pride and honour of NSF’
NSF President, Kegwayhun Tep said that it was in the year 1986, on the 20th of March, when thousands of students have come forward, at the call of NSF, to extend their solidarity in the protest against the extension of the Disturbed Areas Act (DAA) from the 5 km belt to 20 kms along the Indo-Burma border and the introduction of the Indian Police Service cadre in Nagaland (which focussed on inducting non-Nagas).

On that fateful day, Lt Kekuojalie Sachii of Kohima village and Lt Vikhozo Yhoshii of Kigwema Village succumbed to the indiscriminate firing upon the peaceful agitating students by the armed police forces from Alichen.

“Our martyrs Lt Kekuojalie Sachii and Lt. Vikhozo Yhoshii, are the pride and honour of the Naga Students’ Federation and we are gathered here in their remembrance and we express our gratitude and honour the sacrifices they made for the Nagas,” said NSF president.

Today, Tep, said “we offer our homage to the two noble souls, whose martyrdom has once again renewed our aspirations and our hopes with a strengthened sense of direction and purpose, towards a brighter tomorrow.

He said that NSF remain indebted to the bereaved family members of “our martyrs and we pray that God’s graciousness be upon you all.”

“We the students’ community and the Naga youths and the upcoming generations shall remain indebted to the dearly departed souls and shall continue to honour the sacrifices of our martyrs through the pages of history and from the fond memories of our hearts. We pay our homage. May God almighty watch over our beloved martyrs,” Tep said.

About re-development of NSF Martyrs’ Park
Kohima Smart City Development Limited (KSCDL) Chief Executive Officer Er K Theunuo thanked the NSF for allowing KSCDL to re-develop this NSF Martyr’s Park as one of its mission projects.

“With the rise in need for more open public space in and around Kohima for recreational and aesthetic values of the city, Kohima Smart City has taken the initiative and lookout to develop the un-used pocket spaces & existing parks in different colonies & wards in Kohima and transforming it into attractive public space & recreational areas for the citizens particularly children & senior citizens,” he said.

But due to scarcity of land at open space, the projects could not be implemented in many colonies for which Kohima smart city needs the active supports & participations of Panchayat, stakeholders, NGOs and the citizens, he said.

Er Theunuo said that the proposal to re-develop the NSF Martyr’s Park was initiated by Kohima Smart City as it is centrally located having historical values, aesthetic view & easily accessible.

And also considering the needs for public recreational space, the project was taken up under the Head of Heritage & Tourism of the Smart City Mission Plan.

Er Theunuo said that the contract work was awarded to M/s T. Tachu & Co. on November 1, 2021 with the amount of Rs. 1, 02, 97,000 and completion period of 9 months which includes dismantling of old structures, earthwork and reconstruction etc.

The work commenced on November 3, 2021 and completed on June 17, 2022. Some of the major components of the projects included; Rain water harvesting reservoir tank, barrier free access to all section of park even for differently abled persons, pay and use public toilet, public seating spaces, commercial space of about 58sft for revenue generation.

CEO maintained that the project has been successfully completed with quality work as per specification and contract norms and agreements.

“The redevelopment of this Park will definitely have a positive impact on the citizens of Kohima in general and NSF in particular,” he added.