MoS Murugan visits Chesezu, interacts with villagers

April 23, 2023 37 Views No Comment

Our Correspondent
Phek | April 23

Union Minister of State (MoS) for Information & Broadcasting, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Dr L Murugan today visited Chesezu village under Phek district and paid tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

During Second World War, it is claimed that Netaji established a camp in the village.

Dr Murugan offered tribute to Subhas Chandra Bose at Netaji Memorial Resting Shed in Chesezu.

He also interacted with a village elderwho Vezo Swuro at his residence, who was reportedly an associate of Netaji and Indian National Army (INA) during the Battle of Kohima in 1944 when they camped at Chesezu village. He took Vezo’s blessings.

After visiting Netaji Peak, the MoS said that as part of the union government’s initiatives to pay tribute to Netaji and INA and highlight their sacrifices, the members of INA veterans took a march in the parade for the first time during the Republic Day 2023.

Three islands in Andaman & Nicobar Islands have also been renamed in honour of Netaji. After 75 years of Independence, his statue has been erected at the Kartavaya Path in New Delhi, he said.

“Our government also celebrated the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji for whole one year under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,” he said.

Later, addressing the villagers, Dr Murugan said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has deep concern for all round development of the North-East region.

Modi’s vision is to develop the region like the mainland, he said.

‘Developing Chesezu as ‘best tourist destinations’
Meanwhile, Nagaland’s CAWD & Taxes Advisor Kudecho Khamo requested the MoS to develop Chesezu as one of the best tourist destinations in Nagaland.

The people of Chesezu have shown great hospitality and generosity to freedom fighter Netaji during the most trial times of “our country,” he said.

Khamo also urged for strengthening Pig Breeding Farm at Suthozu and Chosaba under Phek district and also to take up Integrated Farming Project within 18th Chozuba Assembly Constituency.

Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) President Vezuhu Keyho sought the support of the MoS to boost livestock productivity in Phek district in line with organisation’s standing ban on import of pork to Phek district from outside since 2000. Phek Deputy Commissioner Kumar Ramnikant also spoke at the programme.

Swuro highlights Netaji’s ‘stay’
“The Indian National Army (INA) had its base camp here (Chesezu) in this very place where we stand today and for which we have erected his (Netaji) statue in fond remembrance,” maintained ex- MLA Nuzota Swuro, highlighting the account of Netaji’s stay in Chesezu.

According to the witness, Netaji came to Chesezu along with INA from Jessami through a mule track constructed by the British, Swuro maintained.

Those days were the most prosperous time of our village. There were 27 villages under our protectorate paying tribute to us in return we gave them protection, he claimed.

“We were told that the village had 700 warriors and enough stock of paddy rice to last for 10 years. We commanded rituals, gena days and festivals over those 27 villages under our control,” Swuro said, further maintaining that the INA led by Netaji came to the village seeking protection and supply of ration.

‘Our fathers proudly accepted the request and extended protection as well as hospitality in supplying ration to INA troops generously free of cost. Placed in a strategic point of war, the village was a targeted battle zone during the Second World War,’ he recalled.

‘The British choose the village as their strategic base camp as evident by the presence of Inspection Bungalow. They even established a school somewhere in 1890s,” Swuro further claimed.