Matikhru Village Massacre
By the Indian army on 6th September 1960

Zhiwhuotho Pastor Matikhru Village,
Pochury Baptist church, Kohima.

First of all thank God, who is the creator of this Universe and our sustainer, and who keeps my life away from jeopardy. Today, I am taking this apportunity to share with you about the massacre of my villagers by the fiery Indian army in the course of a heavy army-operation in Nagaland. At that time I was seven years of age; I have seen with my own eyes the terrible things that took place.

Matikhru is a village of pochury tribe (Naga), located just below Kanjang village bordering Manipur. On 6th Sep. 1960 at around 11:00 am, the 16th Punjab Regiment came down from Kanjang village and rounded up the village and grouped the villages in one place. The village elders were humble and offered them their best co-operation, but they were responded in the most inhuman way. Later they separated all the villagers into two groups - male adult group, and woman and children group. All the woman and children were made to stand infront of the male adult group and made to watch them being beaten and tortured mersilessly till 4:00 pm. The helpless mothers and children stood there weeping and trembling in fear. When evening came, my helpless father called me to him and said, "my son, today, I am going to leave you for I am going to die, but don't be afraid and live bravely. Today, I will sacrifice my life for the sake of the Nagas. But one day, my precious blood that has flowed will speak out to the world". These were my father's last words, he could say these things to me because he was the village's chief and was aware of what lay ahead and could therefore speak out with strength.

When evening came, all the woman and children were driven out into the jungle like animals, after which, all the male adults were herded together into the house of the village's chief. Soon after, their heads were chopped off with my father's dao ( a sharp heavy blade with a long handle used for daily activities for chopping wood, meat , etc.); and the bodies were later burnt along with all the houses and properties. I myself was an eye witness to this gruesome massacre. So how can I keep silent and tolerate, but by the grace of God He called me and chose me to serve in His vineyard and has given me the power of His tolerance. But I am not ashamed to share my grievances before the nation, because the precious blood of my father and others were shed for the Naga generation. We Nagas come together and unite in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ for the betterment of the Nagas. We don't want to shed anymore blood again.

I thank God for his unspeakable gift and for preserving me under His shadow. The Bible says in Romans 12:19, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves but rather give place unto wrath, for it is written, vengeance in mine, I will reply, said the Lord".

We the pochury Naga tribe abserve a Black day on this very day (the 6th of Sep.) every year. A memorial park has been constructed to make our solemn respect for the innocent victims of this bloody massacre. Dear brother in Christ, we need your prayer and support. Today, we still continue to suffer because of our pride in our Naga heritage. Remember us in your Prayers.

Thanking you.

One day, we shall overcome! May God bless all you readers.

Spot Dead:
Mr. Thah (Village Chief, Gaon Bora)
Mr. Mezitso
Mr. Pongoi (Member, village council)
Mr. Zasito (Eangelist)
Mr. Eyschu (Gaon Bora)
Mr. Kezukhwelo
Mr. Thitu
Mr. Pogholo
Mr. Kekithezu

Note: No relief or compensation received from the Govt. or any other agencies in connection with this incident.