India’s first victory over British was in Moirang: Varun Kumar

Jamshedpur, April 14: Commemorating a significant but often overlooked moment in India’s freedom struggle, Varun Kumar highlighted the historical importance of April 14—the day when the Indian National Army (INA) hoisted the national flag on Indian soil for the first time in Moirang, Manipur. This day is celebrated as Moirang Day, paying tribute to the brave INA soldiers who laid down their lives fighting for India’s independence.

During the Second World War, Moirang served as the strategic headquarters of the INA. On April 14, 1944, Colonel Shaukat Ali Malik of the Azad Hind Fauj led his troops into Moirang and hoisted the tricolor, marking a symbolic and historic moment in India’s freedom struggle. It was not just a military achievement but a declaration of India’s desire to break free from British colonial rule.

“This was India’s first military victory against British imperialism,” Varun Kumar said. “The battle for Moirang and nearby regions, including parts of Nagaland, was one of the fiercest battles the British fought in India, as even acknowledged by British forces themselves.”

Moirang is also home to the Indian National Army Museum, which showcases the struggle and sacrifices of the INA soldiers. The museum stands as a reminder of the contribution of thousands of soldiers who, driven by patriotism, left behind their homes and families to fight for an independent India.

The INA, also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, was a 60,000-strong army formed largely from Indian prisoners of war and expatriate Indians in Southeast Asia. Led by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, who arrived in the region in 1943, the army fought with the vision of liberating India. Approximately 26,000 INA soldiers sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of this goal.

The INA was notable for its progressive values—there was no discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, or creed. “They established themselves purely as Bharatiyas,” said Varun Kumar. “This unity in diversity was a reflection of the India they dreamed of.”

Mairembam Koireng Singh, who later became the first Chief Minister of Manipur, played host to the INA during their time in Moirang. Yet, Varun Kumar expressed concern that this historic chapter remains largely forgotten in mainstream Indian history textbooks.

“Though the INA may have lost the battle militarily, it won the war of consciousness and inspired a nation to rise,” he said.