The State War Memorial at Phoolbari Chowk, Kohima renovated by Assam Rifles, was inaugurated and dedicated to the people of Nagaland by the Governor of Nagaland, Mr Shyamal Dutta. The inaugural ceremony was held amidst traditional fanfare and enthusiasm.

In his address, the Governor highlighted the significance of the memorial. He paid rich tributes to the brave Naga soldiers who had impressed the British and Japanese both with their bravery.

Mr Rio Neiphin, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Lt Gen HS Kanwar, Director General Assam Rifles and Maj Gen KTG Nambiar, Inspector General Assam Rifles also took part in the ceremony.

Lt Gen HS Kanwar said that the history of Assam Rifles in Nagaland has been synonymous with the history of Nagaland. "Assam Rifles functioned as a part of the society and not only as a security agency". On this occasion, Lt Gen Kanwar adopted 21-year old Cherovolu Swuro as a "daughter of the Assam Rifles" and presented her a cheque for two lakh rupees for having secured a place in the national archery team.

In his address, the Chief Minister complimented the Naga soldiers who have won 54 gallantry awards. He spoke of the need for an additional Naga battalion and a Regimental Centre in Nagaland. The Central Government will be approached in this connection, he assured. Lt Gen JR Mukherjee, Colonel of Assam Regiment and Maj Gen AS Bahia, Colonel of Naga Regiment also spoke on the occasion.

As part of the inaugural ceremony, the war heroes of Nagaland as well as the relatives of the martyrs were honoured with souvenirs. This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial.

The war memorial commemorates the brave Naga soldiers who sacrified their lives in the historical 'Battle of Kohima' under the flags of Assam Rifles and Assam Regiment. It also commemorates the "bravest of the braves" who made the supreme sacrifice in various wars right from World War-II to the recent Kargil conflict.