The Kohima War Cemetery in Nagaland became the site of solemn remembrance on April 4, as it hosted a ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the historic Battle of Kohima — a critical World War II conflict that altered the course of the war in Asia.
Dignitaries, descendants of war veterans, and members of the public gathered to honour the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the fierce battle, which raged from April to June 1944. Widely regarded as a decisive turning point, the Battle of Kohima marked the first significant land defeat of Japanese forces during their advance into British India.
Charlotte Carty, granddaughter of Lt Col Bruno Brown — then commander of the Assam Regiment — offered heartfelt words during the tribute, saying, “The Battle of Kohima was the first place where the Japanese were defeated on land.” She highlighted the immense human toll and brutal intensity of the fighting, underscoring the vital role that Indian soldiers played in securing Allied victory.
Reflecting on the local contribution, Carty said the bravery and support of the Naga people were indispensable. “Without the Nagas, the Allied Forces wouldn’t have been successful in Kohima,” she remarked, drawing attention to the crucial yet often under-recognised role of the local population in the war effort.
The ceremony served not only as a remembrance of the fallen but also as a powerful reminder of the shared history and sacrifice that shaped the region’s legacy and the broader narrative of global resistance during World War II.