Kohima — Six kilometers away from Kohima town is a place called Shohuza in Jotsoma where a monument was erected last year as a tribute to Major General John M. L Grover, his soldiers of the 2nd Division, 33 Corps of the British Army and the people of Jotsoma.
It was in Shohuza that Gen. Grover and his troop camped, this was where all military tactics and decisions were made which led the allies to a historic victory against Japan in the Second World War.
Commemorating the first anniversary of the monument on April 16, Jotsoma reflected on the Second World War and its significance not just to the world but the people of Jotsoma, reported morungexpress.
“The battle of Kohima was won in the little corner of Jotsoma village. This was the hollow ground. The actual decisions were all made here. This is a history and milestone of the Second World War. Even if others forget us, we will not forget history,” said Dr. P. Ngully, President, Kohima Educational Society (KES), while retrospecting on the WWII and its impact on Nagas. Acknowledging the people of Jotsoma for the efforts in keeping past memories alive, Dr. Ngully stated the one should stand for the truth and standing on the truth was the establishment of the tribute which has enabled the people of Jotsoma to build a bridge across UK.
Kruorovi Peseyie, Chairman Monument Committee recalled the Second World War, as an eight year old when injured British soldiers were brought in the village. Even if they were injured, the soldiers will still manage a smile, mentioned Peseyie.
“During the period the villagers were greatly inspired by the humble and loving attitude and good behavior of the British soldiers. As a matter of fact, the villagers too willingly extended every possible help to the soldiers.” It was this quality of love, care and respect which the British bestowed on the villagers which led them to support them in whatever possible way during the war as guides, porters, stretch bearers etc.
A war is not won by the soldiers alone, it takes the support and backbone of people who work behind the scenes to help the soldiers, which actually brings victory, mentioned Krurovi, who added, “It is simply felt that the humble support, cooperation and losses of the local people are also somewhat deserved to be remembered while recollecting the great battle of Kohima during the WW II in 1944.”
Soon enough after the WW II victory, General Grover was removed from commanding the Division. In November 1945, when the British soldiers returned home, Gen. Grover is said to have arrived to welcome them. It has been said that when he was spotted by the soldiers, they started demanding, “We want Grover…..We want Grover.”
A hero was almost forgotten in his own land but remembered in a place called Shohuza where a monument standing 24 ft tall pays tribute to him as Krurovi Peseyie points out, “It is a joy to remember the one who has been forgotten by his own nation.”
Homage was paid by Second Division British Army, Kohima Educational Society, Jotsoma Village Council (JVC), and Jotsoma Students’ Union (JSU). The program was followed by a release and screening of the inaugural event (DVD) at the village council hall.