Kaitho Sukhai

Kaito Sukhai
Born	Kaito Sukhai (1933-05-22)May 22, 1933 Ghukhuyi, Nagaland, India
Died	August 4, 1968(1968-08-04) (aged 35) Kohima, Nagaland, India
Nationality	Naga
Occupation(s)	Military Leader, Nationalist
Organizations	Naga Army, Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN)
Known for	Youngest General Commander-in-Chief
Movement	Naga Independence Movement

Kaito Sukhai (May 22, 1933 – August 4, 1968) was a prominent Naga nationalist and military leader, known for being the world's youngest General Commander-in-Chief at the age of 23. He played a crucial role in the Naga independence movement against Indian administration and was instrumental in shaping the military resistance of the Naga Army.

Early life and education

Born in Ghukhuyi village, Nagaland, Kaito Sukhai exhibited leadership qualities from a young age. In 1953, he moved to Shillong under the pretext of pursuing further studies. However, his primary objective was to organize a network promoting Naga nationalism among students and Naga recruits in the Assam Regiment. His clandestine activities soon attracted the attention of Indian intelligence, leading to his departure from Shillong. Despite this, his efforts significantly bolstered the Naga nationalist cause.

Military career

In 1955, Kaito Sukhai established the Naga Safeguards, an avant-garde army in the Eastern Sumi area under the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). On March 23, 1955, he declared an armed revolt against the Indian Army from NEFA. At just 22, he was appointed the first General of the Naga Safeguards. Later that year, from September 3 to 10, he led a group of 16 Naga Safeguards in the First Indo-Naga battle at Hoshepu against a formidable division of the 17th Indian Rajputs and Assam Rifles Regiments. The battle resulted in the loss of five Naga soldiers and approximately 380 Indian forces.

Following the declaration of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) on March 2, 1956, the Naga Home Guards and Naga Safeguards were consolidated to form the Naga Army. Kaito Sukhai was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Naga Army on March 22, 1956, a position he held until January 1963. During his tenure, he led several significant operations, including the second battle of Satakha on March 24, 1956, where 78 Assam Armed Police were captured along with a substantial cache of weapons.

In 1962, Kaito Sukhai led 168 Naga soldiers to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) for arms procurement and training. On September 10, 1962, he traveled to London to meet Naga National Council President A.Z. Phizo to discuss the future course of the Naga movement. During this visit, he was invited by the BBC to address the Naga struggle for independence at the Round Table Conference. The British media, including the BBC and 'The Daily Herald,' recognized him as the world's youngest General Commander-in-Chief.

Assassination and legacy

On August 3, 1968, General Kaito Sukhai was assassinated in Kohima by a member of the underground Naga Army. He succumbed to his injuries the following day, August 4, 1968, at the age of 35. His death was a significant loss to the Naga independence movement. In 2022, a biographical book titled 'The World's Youngest General' was released, chronicling his life and contributions to the Naga political struggle.