In the memory of our beloved Naga political struggle hero-Khodao Yanthan

Let us remember the sacrifices made by our ancestors to secure our independence movement.

Prayers, moral support and being Christian alone wouldn’t save the Nagas. Additionally it is not the name (of factions) that will bring us independence, but it is our togetherness – Khodao Yanthan

14 years ago, on this day (01/03/2010), Khodao Yanthan, popularly known as the “Wounded Tiger” Or “The grand old man of Naga political struggle” passed away at his native village (Lakhüti in Wokha dist. Nagaland).
Never having married he leaves behind no wife or children, he practically owned nothing and left nothing except a legacy of sacrifice, commitment and dedication. At his death his only possession was Naga Nation.

At the young age of 18 (subject to correction), he joined the Naga Labour Corps as Quartermaster to combat the advancing Japanese forces. In 1944, he led the 14 division of British Army and encountered the advancing Japanese forces. For his active participation in the WW II, he received three gallantry award
a) The Burma star medal
b) The southeast pacific force medal
c) King George V medal

He studied intermediate arts at Serampore Christian College in Calcutta (1949-1950), and later served as a teacher at Wokha high school. In 1951, he was elected as the president of Lotha Tribal Council and member of the central executive body of Naga National Council (NNC).

He also served as ‘Angh’ and ‘Kilonser’ in the Federal Govt. Of Nagaland (FGN) under NNC. He was arrested and imprisoned in Kohima, Golaghat, Jorhat, Dhaka and Commila (Bangladesh).

From 1956 he stayed in East Pakistan and London seeking support for Naga cause. In 1990 he returned to Nagaland and joined the NSCN (IM). In 1996, he was elected it’s Vice President/Chairman and served the Nation till his last breath.

In 1990 he joined the NSCN (IM). In 1996, he was elected it’s Vice President/Chairman and served the Nation till his last breath.