Ruzazho, Phek District (Nagaland): In a moment of deep mourning and reflection, the people of Ruzazho village and Nagaland at large bid farewell to a living legend — Shri Poswuyi Swuro, the oldest surviving resident of Ruzazho village and a direct associate of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. He passed away peacefully at his residence in Ruzazho village on Monday at 4:03 pm. He was 106 years old, according to official school records.
Shri Poswuyi Swuro was not just a revered elder in his community but also a forgotten hero of India’s freedom struggle. During the pivotal year of 1944, amidst the turmoil of World War II, he served as a Dobashi (interpreter) to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose when the Indian National Army (INA) advanced through the Naga Hills.
For nine days, the INA was stationed undercover in Ruzazho village, during which Shri Swuro, acting on direct instructions from Netaji, facilitated communication between the INA and local villagers. His role was crucial in helping the INA navigate the terrain, administer neighboring villages, and gather support for the larger cause of Indian independence.
“His service as Netaji’s Dobashi is a legacy that cannot be measured in words. He was a bridge between two worlds — the nationalist cause and the Naga community,” said a local elder from the village.
Beyond his contribution to the freedom struggle, Shri Swuro was also a trailblazer in faith. He holds the distinction of being the first Christian convert in Ruzazho village, paving the way for a new chapter in the cultural and spiritual life of the region.
Over the decades, Shri Swuro remained a source of inspiration, with memories of Netaji Bose and the INA kept alive through oral history and village storytelling. Calls have intensified in recent years to recognize his contributions at the national level, with appeals for a memorial or official mention in India’s freedom archives.
His passing marks the end of an era. A living link to one of India’s most courageous chapters now rests in peace. As Ruzazho mourns its patriarch, the entire nation is reminded that freedom was earned not only by soldiers on the frontlines but also by villagers in the hills, interpreters, and patriots like Shri Poswuyi Swuro, who dared to serve under the tricolor when it was still a dream.
The funeral will be held in Ruzazho village with full traditional honors tomorrow. Local leaders, church elders, and freedom movement researchers are expected to attend.