Kaito Sukhai: The World's Youngest General
"I love Nagas, I sacrificed my life for the Nagas, but someone wanted to take my life away and I am dying. My heart bleeds for the Nagas as I see more days of struggle in achieving the goal."
Kaito Sukhai, born on May 22, 1933, in Ghukhuyi village, Kohima district (now Zunheboto district, Nagaland), emerged as a key youth leader in the Naga independence movement. From a young age, Kaito demonstrated remarkable leadership potential and a profound commitment to the Naga cause. The son of Kuhoto Zhimomi, a headman and Dobashi in the Kohima division, Kaito’s upbringing was shaped by a deep sense of responsibility to his people and an understanding of the turbulent political landscape of the time. His early years were marked by an innate desire to lead and a determination to seek justice for the Naga people, which ultimately fueled his active involvement in the struggle for independence.
Kaito’s formative years were steeped in the legacy of Naga nationalism. In 1951, at the age of 18, he played a significant role in the Naga Plebiscite under the supervision of General Kaito Sukhai himself, overseeing the voting process in the Sumi regions. This pivotal experience marked his formal entry into the independence movement, where he quickly established himself as a charismatic leader among the youth. By 1955, he had founded the Naga Safe Guards, a militia that would later become the backbone of the Naga Army. The Naga Safe Guards’ formation and Kaito’s leadership were crucial in galvanizing the youth of Nagaland, urging them to rise up against Indian rule.
Kaito’s rise as a youth leader within the Naga movement was not just based on his military exploits but also on his ability to inspire those around him. As the first general of the Naga Safe Guards at the age of 22, he displayed an extraordinary understanding of military tactics, leadership, and the importance of unity among his people. His strategic prowess was showcased in the historic battle of Hoshepu in 1955, where, with a mere 16 soldiers, he faced off against a far larger Indian force. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Kaito and his forces fought valiantly, an example of his courage and leadership that inspired countless young Naga men to join the struggle.
By the mid-1950s, Kaito’s youth-driven vision for a free Naga homeland was taking shape. The creation of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and the consolidation of the Naga Safe Guards into the Naga Army saw Kaito appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Naga Army in 1956. Throughout his leadership, Kaito emphasized the importance of youth participation in the movement, seeing them not just as soldiers but as essential pillars of the Naga struggle. His efforts to engage young Naga men and women in the cause for independence served to cultivate a generation of committed, disciplined, and resilient leaders.
Kaito’s time as a youth leader was marked by significant international recognition. His efforts led him to London, where in 1962, he was invited by the BBC to address the Round Table Conference on the Naga struggle. His eloquent advocacy for the Naga cause brought global attention to the issue, further cementing his role as a prominent youth leader on the international stage. In the same year, Kaito was honored with the "Burma Star" by the Association of Allied British Veterans, acknowledging his contributions to the struggle for self-determination.
Tragically, Kaito’s life was cut short in 1968, when he was assassinated at the age of 35. His death marked the loss of a dynamic and visionary youth leader, whose contributions to the Naga independence movement would continue to resonate for years to come. Kaito Sukhai remains an enduring symbol of youthful determination, leadership, and sacrifice in the quest for Naga sovereignty, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for justice and independence.
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