Page 19 - TSB ebook

Some 3 decades later, in September, 2008, I made an application to my boss to sanction LFC

facility to me with destination as “Kohima”. From the boss to office establishment to friends to

relatives, I had a tough time explaining why Kohima, when the majority of SBI visits Singapore,

Mauritius, Himachal, Backwaters and where not. But an itch is an itch and will subside only when
scratched.

My moment of truth came at 1.30 p.m. on 3 rd of November, 2008. There I was, reading the

eternal words on the stone memorial myself after all these years (see attached photograph, zoom

to read the plaque). And I am glad that I went there all the way. And my son, presently in VIth
Standard had a lot to learn about soldiers, war, dead, cemetery, memorial etc. It is a lesson on

how the men who make the supreme sacrifice can be remembered, respected and glorified for

the generations to come.

Kohima War Cemetery is a memorial in honor of those officers and soldiers from Allied Forces

killed during the World War II fighting the Japanese. It is designed as a series of terraces on which

there are 1421 slabs erected in memory of soldiers, comprising of British and Indians, who were

killed in the Battle of Kohima. Each grave is supported by a bronze plaque with an apt epitaph.

There were Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Gorkhas being described in their respective plaques,
and being remembered together. Ironically, no caste or religion or language was dividing the

dead. The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The bronze

plaques are ringed by roses and lush grass, looking from any corner, it appears that the plaques
have been placed within flower beds. The plaques glow even after years of exposure to sun and

rain, the attendants maintain the entire cemetery as an epitome of cleanliness.

THE REST OF KOHIMA

Do visit Kohima for the above and otherwise for the scenic, idyllic hilltop habitation, more like a

moffussil place, though the capital of the State. One can visit the tourist villages created to give

an insight into the life and habitation of Naga tribes. Take NH 61 to Wokha and visit Touphema
Tourist village and Naga Heritage Complex at Kisama on NH-39 to Imphal. For us from plains, the