Porba village remembers fallen heroes on Porbami Black Day

Porba village under Phek district today observed Porbami Black Day in remembrance of its forefathers who lost their lives as a consequence of the Naga Freedom Movement and to reaffirm their support for the movement.

During the commemoration, villagers recalled that Porba had hosted the 1st and 2nd meetings of the Naga National Council (NNC) Chakhesang region, where resolutions were adopted to defend the sovereignty of the Naga people. As part of their commitment, the villagers contributed goods — including cows, paddy, money, guns, and ammunition — on behalf of clans, families, and individuals.

According to sources, this act of solidarity provoked retaliation from the Indian army, leading to a brutal attack on Porba village on April 12, 1956, around 12:00 noon. The army reportedly burned houses to ashes, plundered livestock, destroyed granaries, and tortured and killed villagers. The assault claimed four lives, including a child, identified as Ngahamu, Zusaruh, Duhutso, and Niesazolu.

Following the attack, villagers hesitated to rebuild their homes, compelling them to live outside the village for nearly two years. Porba village was burned 12 times in total — nine times completely and three times partially.

As a consequence of these traumatic events, Porba village endured unimaginable suffering. Two years after the attack, an epidemic swept through the village, claiming the lives of 404 people. The epidemic was caused by the consumption of burnt rice, contaminated food, and widespread starvation. On one tragic day, the death toll rose to seven, according to sources.

The villagers were forced to endure a life of sheer survival. Many went to great lengths, working extra hours in the fields to sustain their livelihoods and gathering wood and rocks to rebuild their homes without proper resources or food. This immense struggle left them physically and mentally exhausted.

In the aftermath, the village saw a dramatic decline in birth rates, with some families unable to conceive for an entire year. Although the birth rate gradually improved over time, many children born during this period suffered from impairments and disabilities, which led to feelings of contempt from neighboring villages.

During the observance of Porbami Black Day, the program was chaired by Vevo K Dzudo (Associate Pastor, BCP), with a welcome address delivered by Ciekrohu Chiero (VCC). Yiekhusuh Tureng (Ex VCC) and Thupucuyi Vadeo (Joint Secretary, NNC) also delivered speeches, honoring the resilience and memory of their forefathers.

MT