BY Navin Upadhyay
On the occasion of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary on January 23, leaders from across India gathered to pay tribute to the great freedom fighter whose courage and vision shaped the nation’s struggle against British colonial rule. His contributions have been widely celebrated for his leadership in the Indian National Army (INA) and his relentless pursuit of independence. However, in the flood of tributes, there has been a glaring omission—the vital role played by Manipur, and the involvement of its Kuki and Meitei communities in Netaji’s battle for freedom. The triumph at Moirang, where the INA flag was raised for the first time on Indian soil, and the subsequent bloody battle of Imphal, where fierce resistance was encountered, stand as testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the people of Manipur. This is the story of how Manipur became a battleground for freedom and how its people played both supporting and complex roles in this historic campaign.
The Forgotten Patriots: Manipur’s Role in Netaji’s Campaign
Amidst the rolling hills and dense forests of Manipur, a lesser-known chapter of India’s struggle for independence unfolded—a tale of valor and sacrifice involving the Kuki and Meitei communities in Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA).
Thousands of Kukis and Meitess freedom fighters from Manipur joined INA or Azad Hind Fauj of Subhas Chandra Bose in 1942-43. While both communities paid a heavy price for their resistance to British rule and their support for the INA, the Kukis’ prolonged struggle during the Anglo-Kuki War, followed by their involvement in the INA’s campaign, likely resulted in greater cumulative casualties. However, both communities’ sacrifices are a testament to their commitment to India’s independence and their shared history of resilience against colonial oppression.
The government of India in honour of those Indian National Army patriots from Manipur established INA Memorial Complex at Moirang Manipur state and inscripted on Huge Marble slap in Golden Ink the names of 198 Freedom fighters from Manipur of whom 170 were Kukis with 26 Meiteis and 02 Bengalese respectively. (List of Freedom Fighters at INA Memorial Complex, Moirang, Manipur).
The INA’s Entry into India: A Momentous Step
It was April 1944 when the INA crossed into India from Burma (present-day Myanmar), marking a significant milestone in the Indian freedom struggle. Led by Major General Shah Nawaz Khan under the supreme command of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the INA aimed to liberate India by advancing through the Northeast. This was part of the broader military campaign aligned with Japan to challenge British colonial rule.
Manipur, with its strategic location, became the focal point of this audacious campaign. The INA’s entry through the border town of Moreh marked the beginning of its operations within Indian territory. By May 1944, the INA had captured Moirang, a historic moment that saw the hoisting of the tricolor flag on Indian soil for the first time under Bose’s command.
The Kuki Involvement: Guardians of the Hills
The Anglo-Kuki War: Seeds of Resistance: The Anglo-Kuki War, also known as the Kuki Rebellion, was a watershed moment in the Kukis’ resistance to British rule. Spanning from 1917 to 1919, it was primarily fueled by the British colonial administration’s attempt to forcibly recruit Kuki men as laborers for the Allied war effort during World War I. The Kukis, fiercely independent and unwilling to bow to foreign control, revolted against this coercion.
This rebellion quickly escalated into a full-scale guerrilla war, with Kuki warriors employing their intimate knowledge of the rugged terrain to mount effective attacks against British forces. The conflict was widespread, involving over 50,000 British troops and Kuki combatants, and stretched across Manipur, parts of Mizoram, and Nagaland. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Kukis fought valiantly, their resistance rooted in a deep commitment to protect their autonomy and way of life.
𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐮𝐤𝐢 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲’𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐣𝐢 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐞’𝐬 𝐈𝐍𝐀
On Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary, it is vital to recognize the remarkable contributions of the Kuki community to India’s freedom… pic.twitter.com/44VQcJsU6T
— Aboriginal_Kuki (@AboriginalKuki) January 23, 2025
The British eventually subdued the rebellion through a brutal campaign of scorched-earth tactics, including the destruction of Kuki villages and mass displacement of their population. By the war’s end, countless Kuki lives had been lost, with estimates ranging from hundreds to thousands. The rebellion left an enduring legacy of anti-colonial defiance among the Kukis, which would later influence their support for the INA.
The INA’s campaign in Manipur during 1944 presented a unique opportunity for the Kukis to reignite their resistance against British colonial rule. Many Kukis saw the INA, led by Subhas Chandra Bose, as allies in their long-standing struggle for freedom. Their involvement with the INA manifested in several critical ways:
Guerrilla Warfare
Drawing on their experience from the Anglo-Kuki War, many Kuki groups collaborated with the INA in guerrilla operations. Their expertise in navigating the dense forests and mountainous terrain of Manipur proved invaluable. Kuki fighters disrupted British supply lines, ambushed convoys, and provided crucial support to INA forces attempting to advance into India from Burma. Their intimate knowledge of the region allowed them to evade detection and mount effective strikes against British patrols.
The Kukis also played a vital role in supporting the INA’s logistical needs. Villagers provided food, shelter, and intelligence, often risking their lives to aid the INA’s cause. Oral histories recount how Kuki villagers guided INA troops through treacherous terrain, helping them evade British forces and reach strategic locations. This grassroots support was instrumental in sustaining the INA’s campaign in the challenging terrain of Manipur.
The Meitei Spirit in the INA Campaign: A Tale of Valor and Sacrifice
The town of Moirang became the beating heart of collaboration between INA and Meiteis. When the INA captured Moirang in May 1944, it wasn’t merely a tactical victory; it was a moment that etched itself into the soul of the Meitei people. The raising of the INA’s flag on Moirang soil became a potent symbol of defiance against colonial rule. For the Meiteis, this event was more than a political milestone—it was a cultural awakening that reinforced their deep-seated desire for self-determination.
In the lush, vibrant valleys of Manipur, the Meiteis—guardians of the Imphal Valley’s rich culture—rose to the call of India’s fight for independence. Inspired by Bose’s unwavering vision of an independent India, many Meitei men and women found themselves drawn to the INA’s mission. From serving as combatants in the INA ranks to acting as vital links in its logistical chain, the Meiteis’ involvement was profound and multifaceted. Their actions were not just limited to the battlefield. They emerged as the INA’s eyes and ears in an unfamiliar terrain, feeding crucial intelligence to its leaders and providing food and shelter to the weary soldiers marching through their lands.
Even beyond the battlefield, the Meiteis’ contributions wer
In present times Manipur faces its worst ethnic strife & the govt looking the other way, Netaji united all the ethnicity of Manipur under INA in its fight for India’s freedom pic.twitter.com/6sqN34LwQ3
— সত্যান্বেষী (@satyanewshi) January 23, 2025
e significant. Community leaders and ordinary villagers alike rallied to support the INA’s cause, often risking their own safety to ensure the freedom fighters were fed and housed. The alignment of their cultural pride with Bose’s vision of an independent and self-reliant India created an unshakable bond.
This unity of purpose wasn’t without challenges. The Meiteis navigated the dual pressures of Japanese and British forces vying for control in their region. Yet their steadfast commitment to liberation shone through, leaving an indelible mark on the INA’s campaign.
ALSO READ: Manipur: Valley vs Hills Divide Over R-Day Boycott Call
The legacy of the Meiteis’ involvement is one of courage, resilience, and unyielding hope—a testament to a community that stood at the crossroads of history and chose the path of freedom.
Moirang became a symbol of the INA’s resolve and Manipur’s pivotal role in the independence movement. Historians recount the overwhelming support the INA received from locals. Meitei men and women played vital roles, from supplying food and intelligence to actively joining the ranks of the INA. The flag-hoisting ceremony at Moirang remains etched in history as a powerful assertion of India’s quest for freedom.
Dr. Rajmohan Gandhi, historian and biographer, emphasizes, “The INA’s campaign in Manipur was not just a military endeavor; it was a rallying cry for unity and defiance against British rule. The involvement of local communities like the Meiteis gave it a sense of legitimacy and grassroots support.”
The British Resistance and Local Dynamics
The British, keenly aware of the strategic importance of Manipur, deployed significant military resources to counter the INA-Japanese alliance. The Battle of Imphal, fought between March and July 1944, became one of the most intense conflicts of World War II. While the British eventually succeeded in halting the INA’s advance, the campaign left a lasting impact on the region.
Local dynamics further complicated the narrative. Some Meiteis and Kukis collaborated with the British, either out of pragmatism or coercion. This dual participation highlights the diverse responses of Manipuri communities to the pressures of war and liberation.
Legacy and Reflection
Today, the contributions of the Kuki and Meitei communities to the INA’s campaign remain an underexplored chapter of India’s freedom struggle. The INA’s entry into Manipur was not just a military operation but a moment that galvanized local participation and showcased the region’s historical significance.
Renowned historian Professor S.L. Sahi notes, “The INA’s campaign in Manipur and the roles played by its people reflect the complexity of colonial resistance. It was a convergence of courage, strategy, and community involvement that deserves greater recognition.”
As we reflect on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s legacy, it is essential to honor the sacrifices and contributions of those who dared to challenge the might of the British Empire. The story of the Indian National Army (INA) in Manipur is not merely about battles fought; it is a testament to the unyielding spirit of freedom that united a diverse nation. In a time when Manipur is grappling with ethnic strife, it’s crucial to remember how the various communities stood together, shoulder to shoulder, under the leadership of Netaji to fight for India’s independence. Rekindling that unity today would be the most fitting tribute to the man who gave his life for the nation.
