Jessami is a village in Ukhrul district, Manipur, India. Jessami is a border village in the extreme north of Manipur State and borders with Meluri, a border village of Nagaland State. Being nearer to Nagaland, the town used to get electricity from Nagaland until the government of Manipur installed a 33 KV Sub-Power station in 2011 to supply power from Manipur.[1] The village came to national attention in 2015 when a fatal bus accident claimed the lives of 13 passengers.[2]
The inhabitants of Jessami are Chakesang. As it is in the border of Manipur and Nagaland, various languages including Chakesang, Tangkhul, Manipuri and Nagamese are commonplace. About 85% of residents work in agriculture.
The first battle with the Japanese in Indian soil was fought in Jessami. On 28 March 1944, first battalion of the Assam Regiment fought a fierce battle with the Japanese 31 Division. The battle led to strengthening of defenses at Kohima, which played a role in turning the tide of the Second World War in favour of the Allied Forces.[4]