By :- Aheibam Koireng Singh and Hanjabam Shukhdeba Sharma
(Translated excerpts of Wairakpam Mangol Singh’s authored book, Prithibigi Anisuba Lanjao amasung Manipur Party, which is to be incorporated as book chapter in the forthcoming book on Manipur and Second World War)
The activities of Manipur Party were done mostly by Shri Laishram Guna Singh. His educational qualification was Bachelors of Arts (BA), Bachelors of Law (BL). He was an employee in the Milling Department of Burma Corporation Limited (BCL). In December 1941, he quit his job and migrated to Mandalay. The following day after the dropping of Mandalay for two times he migrated to take refuge at Sagaing. In that place, those Japanese soldiers who arrived there were fed by them. Those soldiers by holding his ‘sikha’ (long left over hair at the top on the back of the (shaven) head of a devout male Hindu) said him in an interrogative gesture, ‘Gandhika?’. He responded by saying Gandhika Gandhika. That means he belonged to Bharat (India) of Gandhi. Guna Singh and Babudhan Sharma escorted and transfer those soldiers up to Yethaong Station. After sometime he again returned to Mandalay and formed the Manipuri Paona Independence League. Uthonten Sharma, head of the village was its President. The said league was very much related with Indian Independence League (IIL).
By September 17, 1942, after Japan completed capturing all the parts of Burma (present day Myanmar) a Japanese officer and Burmese Police officer came to ‘Tamidoji Pounaju’ where Guna Singh resided, a place where a big ‘Bamon’ (Brahmin) village of princess daughter of Mandalay king was situated. They went back after expressing their desire to talk with the head (Ayaluji) of this village, and also asked the people to wait in the afternoon. ‘Thourani Janma’ falls on that appointed day, 18 September 1942 due to which there could be reservations and differences of opinion. The head of the village, Brajala requested everyone to meet the Japanese officer as it was an initiative from Guna Singh, the most prominent personality of the village. He went after saying so.
As stated, a Japanese officer along with a police inspector of Burma came at 12.00 hours. The head of the village, Brajala Sharma, Churamani Sharma, Bayen Sharma and Murkha Sharma also came. All of them talked with the officers who came. After talking for some time, all five of the Manipuris along with the two officers who came went to Mandalay to meet their superior officer who was in-charge of Upper Burma. After reaching the place, they found the officer in the innermost room. The said officer was the most superior one in Upper Burma. The officer stood up and saluted at seeing them. They also returned the salute. He requested them to sit at the chairs surrounding his working table. However, they remained standing. When the officer asked them why they didn’t sit, they replied, “you are the most high ranking officer of Upper Burma, so we wanted to show our respect by remaining standing”. The officer replied, “that may happen during British period, but the Japanese didn’t follow such practice”. He then said, “Everyone who came here are all my elders, all are masters, I am superior to my soldiers only during wartime, I am a junior and follower to your all. After some time, they all sat down. Fuji, a Japanese officer who was well conversant with the Burmese language sat at the rights side of the officer. Fuji then asked whether there was any among them who had been to Manipur. In it, Madhu Sharma confirmatory replied in the affirmative. When asked whether he was well familiar with Manipur, he replied, he didn’t.
At that juncture, the superior officer asked whether there was anyone among them who came from Manipur. In it, Brajala Sharma replied, “Guna Singh came from Manipur, there is no one in Burma who is well familiar as him”. Then the officer asked Brajala to exchange his seat with Guna Sharma for a while. That way the said officer sat closely near with Guna Singh. He then brought out a map of Manipur and they discussed and interacted with each other about the things he intended to know and clarify. Shri Guna then said, for us also, a party by the name, ‘Manipur Paona Independence League (MPIL) was formed quite early in advance with the objective of liberating India with Manipur in particular. On hearing it, he very happily said, “we also wanted to give you independence by driving away the British. Now let us work together. We are very much satisfied in hearing your words, we, Japanese will now help your party, please let me know if you need us, we also will let you know, if we need you.” After that the officer drop them back by his car. That time, Guna Singh was very much involved and took charge of many activities of the MPIL and worked in close association with Indian Independence League (IIL) and intelligence agencies.
The party then started preparing for going to war which were to be assisted by Japan. Guna Singh had to become a leader of the ‘Manipur Party as ‘Hikari Kikan’(Japanese liaison office responsible for Japanese relations with the Indian National Army) Japanese officer had expressed his desire of doing so. Japan, Manipur Army and Indian National Army (INA) also known as Ajad Hind Fauz would together be going for war. The period during the year 1942 not only saw the ferocity of the Japanese war strategies and attacks, it also witnessed a great political earthquake known as 1942 August Agitation. The movement that started peacefully turned violent. More than 10, 000 civilians died due to injury by police’s bullet and 60,000 were arrested.
Formation of INA
In 15 February 1942, Singapore had fallen in the hands of invading Japanese army resulting to the capture of more than 70,000 allied armies. One Japanese Officer declared in his speech at Farrer Park in Singapore that a military force will be formed by the Indian soldiers from among those captured to fight the British. It resulted to the formation of Indian National Army by Captain Mohan Singh and some Indian officers captured by the Japanese formed the Indian National army (INA). The first INA was collapsed and the head of the Indian Independence League (IIL) took Captain Mohan Singh into custody in September 1942. Already there had been organisation by the name IIL. In 1940 July 2, Subhash Chandra Bose came to Japan from Germany. He formed a provisional Government of Free India in 21 October 1943 and he revived. Netaji went underground in 26 January 1941. After sometime, he reached Germany. The said government took oath stating that it was consented by 223,000 Indians in North Asia. INA had different wings – Headquarters, Hindustan Field Force, SherDil, Guerilla Group, Special Service Group, Intelligence Group and Reinforcement Group. The INA had more than 23,000 soldiers.
War preparation for Manipur
Shri Chandramani Sharma and Shr Brajalala Sharma who were in company with Shri Guna Singh all the time also had to go for war. All three of them went to ‘Maymyo’(town in Central Burma, also called Pyin Oo Lwin) and talked with Shri Gopal Singh of IIL, Captain Nepali Sharma of INA, Lieutenant Naka Murasan who was in charge of Memiyo Headquarter and some Japanese officers about the war they were going. He rigorously started taking charge of the work in relation to the office of Hikari Kikan of Japan. On the second day of his reaching Memiyo, the British plane airdropped the bomb at about 9.10 pm. Shri Brajala Sharma went back the following day. Shri Guna Singh, after working for about four-five days discussing about the hill routes by taking out the map, war strategy and the appropriate time of entering to Manipur was transported to Mandalay by Lieutenant Naka Murasan in his jeep. After reaching Mandalay, Shri Chandramani Sharma was also sent back home by giving Rs. 100.
Shri Guna Singh and Shri Chandramani Sharma, in May 1943 went to Rangoon Headquarters to discuss about the war. They reached Rangoon at about 10 pm with great difficulty by travelling very riskily in train for five days. Because of the fire that enflamed by the airdropped bomb, the night was all bright. In the morning of the following morning, they got up early and met Lieutenant Fuji at the office of Hikari Kikan situated in Golden Valley of Burma.
The said officer told Guna Singh that he would arrange for his food and lodging. But it was declined by Guna Singh stating that he wanted to stay at Meitei village as he had to meet the Meiteis settling in Rangoon. The officer then positively commented and gave him Rs. 200 so that he could use it for other things. He went to Waimi Meitei village of Rangoon and met the masses and expounded to them that it was the bounded duty of every Meiteis to drive out the British who had enslaved them. Every Meiteis who lived far away from Manipur wanted to spearhead the venture to safeguard the prestige of Manipur. All of them look red-faced due to their emotive urge to take revenge against the British. Many elders including Shri Thanin Singh and Lairenlakpam Irabot said, “It is fortunate and propitious for Manipur that you came out with a spirit of sacrifice to serve your motherland at such a ripe time to wage war so as to drive out the British by the inclusive forces of people from all racial backgrounds of India. May god bless the mission”.
Shri Guna Singh, by staying at Basti Waimi Village went every day at Hikari Kikan office for discussing various strategies of war. At the completion of about ten days or so, Shri Guna Singh was frequently let known by the Japanese officers about the dropping of bombes by the Japanese at the islands of Pacific (Prasant) Ocean and at various places of India and also discussed by taking out the map. When the turn for discussing on Manipur came, he always strongly insisted for not dropping the bomb in any other areas except the places occupied by Assam Rifles, P.A. Bungalow and the Military. He also asserted to leave the shrine of ShriGovinda which was worshipped by Manipur with strong reverence untouched while dropping bomb. He tried to save the people of Manipur as much as he could. He told the Japanese officers that Manipur Valley was a densely populated area with houses built mostly bamboo, woods and thatch. If one house got caught with the fire, it would burn the whole village. Rice granaries and other edible items were also stored inside the house, he further told. Hearing his words, the Japanese officers assured him to not frighten.
Shri Guna at once told to Lieutenant Fuji while talking with him at Rangoon office of Hikari Kikas that, “We wanted to restore the lost independence of Manipur by befriending with you (Japan) for our emancipation from slavery and bondage by defeating the British. And atrocities were committed to the women of Manipur by cruelly inflicting them with bayonet wounds during the women’s war. The women of Manipur spend the entire night restlessly with great difficulty. Paona and many other patriots were martyred in the war of independence. Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal were hanged to death. We started to take up this act to revenge for all such acts.”
Hearing these words, Lieutenant Fuji stood up and by holding his hands happily stated, “That yearning for serving the nation be keeping aside the self-interest is what we actually wanted.”
The war by Japan and INA against the British in India would be from two fronts – one from Manipur and the other from Arkan side which was to be preceded first from the Manipur side. It was because of this reason that the participation of Manipur League was inevitable. The Lieutenant further made it known to Shri Gune Singh. From that time onwards, the Japanese gave Shri Gune was given Rs. 100 each for a week as allowance. Rs. 200 was also given to Shri Gourahari to spend for his expenses. Japanese press also had Bengali language and Bengali script. Guna Singh also had to like in Meiteilon (Meitei Language) to distribute as pamphlet. So, the next day the pamphlet written in Meiteilon was made known to the Japanese. It was at first to be discussed at the office and subsequently to look after the works of the Bengali compositor by going to the press. In that way, two different pamphlets were printed. After about half a month, Shri Guna Singh was told to travel to Singapore by air and meet Singapore there. At this Shri Guna enquired about when Subhash Chandra Bose would be coming to Rangoon. Guna Singh got the reply that Subhash Chandra Bose would be coming after a week. So, it was decided to meet Netaji when he came to Rangoon.
Mr. Fuji then asked Shri Guna Singh to give in writing the names of some politician who were interested in Manipur politics together with the activities they already have done for the freedom of Manipur and also the names of educated people in Manipur. In it, he mentioned the names of those whom he thought were well qualified. Among them were – Irabot Singh, Shri Elangbam Tompok Singh, Dr Leiren Singh, Nongmeikappam Gopal Singh, Muhori, Koijam Amubi and Mohendro Singh stating that they gave up the respective post occupied by them and endeavoured for the welfare of the people. At this, the Japanese officers further enquired on what activities these politicians were doing, how they gave up their respective post. He replied mentioning that Shri Irabot gave up his membership for Sardar Panchayat (Manipur), Shri Tompok gave up his post of Clerk, Dr Leiren deserted the palace and started publishing ‘Yakairol’ (tr., Dawn) for the benefit of the people. He also lucidly narrated about the Women’s War which simultaneously erupted due to the discontent of the British misrule.
Among those who were educationally well qualified, he mentioned the names of – Shri Arambam Ibohal Singh [BA, Bachelors of Teaching (BT)], Shri Sougaijam Sanajaoba Singh [BA], Shri Kalachand Singh Shastri, Shri Krishnamohon Singh [Master of Arts (MA), BL], Shri Dwijamani Sharma [MA], Pandit Lalita Madhav Sharma [Bidya Ratna], Shri Shivanand Sharma and Pandit Atombapu [Bidya Ratna]. He explained elaborately about them.
Mr. Fuzi strongly insisted Shri Guna Singh to go to Singapore by plane and meet Netaji as the war march to India would begin from the route in Manipur. At such a midst, an Officer of Upper Burma Molaik Field Headquarters repeatedly called up for completely one month at the Rangoon headquarter to send Shri Guna as they have faced many hardships in executing the work. Accordingly, Shri Guna Singh was happily well prepared to go to Molaik. One Japanese officer, one INA officer, and some INA soldiers escorted and transported Shri Guna Singh to reach Molaik on July end of 1940.
In their journey to Molaik, Shri Guna Singh and his companion Shri Gourahari Sharma entered Mandalay and met the President of Manipuri Paona International League, Uthonten and also with many of their friends and after letting them known that they have to go for war proceeded towards Molaik. At that time, transport conbnectivity was very difficult. They reached Molaik by ferrying at Motor Boat. At reaching that place, they were received by three officers – Captain Yamadea, Nagasisan and Sudusan.
They found one Senior Manipuri, whose name was Laimayum Murkha as employee in the office. At seeing Shri Guna Singh, he happily expressed that work would be able to express further. That took rest on the day of reaching there. On the morning of the following day, the locals of Meitei villages in Kendat came in large number and met Shri Guna Singh.
They told that “the Meiteis residing in Meitei villages of Kendat village were very much oppressed by AwaTaji. Japanese took whatever they wanted from the Meitei village and the Awas were kept protected. If the Japanese wanted a cow, they took it indiscriminately from the Meiteis and they also had to compellingly give it out of fear. However, Shri Guna made them to return by saying that he would come after about five-six days.
After that, they have thorough discussion on strategies and issues of war. Shri Guna Singh issued pass to Meiteis of Kendat and were drawn to Manipuri party for taking part in the war. The instruction written in the pass was, “Nothing shall be done to the person who is the bearer of the pass without informing the office of Shri Guna Singh, even if punishment has to be given as per the law, the said office shall be given prior information. After that the Meiteis there were given the monthly ration amount respectively of Rs. 500, Rs. 100 and Rs. 150. Even a household of Lone widow was given the amount of Rs. 50.
Then after about half a month, Shri Guna Singh, as invited by the people of Kendat, went there which was three miles away from Molaikat. As desired and requested by the people, he went to meet the Taji of Kendat. The said Taji oppressed the Meiteis very much. Shri Guna Singh asked him whether he know who he was. At this Taji replied (in Burmese) – “Buji chuno tabire khemya Manipura acho wabe” meaning I (courteously) know you have assumed charge of Manipur Government.” Shri Guna Singh further asked – Why are you heinously supressing the lone Meitei village at your village.” At that Haji replied, “It was not by me but by Japanese.” Shri Guna Singh then told Haji, “If you did next time, remember the Meitei sword. Wasn’t your Awa king earlier built Palace at the hillside of Shebo owing to fear of Meitei sword shifted to Iwang crossing over Irrawaddy, then to Amarpura and finally to Mandalay.” Taji replied, “Hotobla Naukma Malukpu.” meaning – “Yes, will not do anymore.”
The use of Manipuri as forced labourer by the Japanese was also banned. Meiteis were sent to areas occupied by the British and used as spies. They also were made to dispense INA pamphlet at British army deployed areas.
One day a Japanese spy officer along with Taji came and asked to give her cow to a women named, Keina-Amubi. In it, she show the pass that was distributed to her. Even after that, they insisted to give them her cow. The said woman came and approached Shri Guna Singh on that matter. Shri Guna Singh, when he went back, he found Captain Yamadasan, the officer in charge gone to Rangoon headquarter. He met Nagasisan, the temporary in charge in place of him. Both of them talked about the matter raised by the woman at the top floor of the office building. The officer told Shri Guna Singh that according to the law of Japan, there’s no provision which allowed to take things and belongings without the willing consent of the owner, however it was done as they wanted it to feed the soldier. The officer further told, “Like you people, there were some among us Japanese who were completely vegetarians before 50 years ago, but because of the premonition that the British as they did it to the Japanese in most parts of the world, the Japanese also would try to be subdued, they also started to eat non-vegetarian food. It is quite surprising that after we reached Japan, we also started to eat snake, dog, almost everything indiscriminately. Those who eat non-vegetarian food can could work for longer hours than who are vegetarians. If they themselves are not willing, we Japanese will not take anything from them. Tell this to your people without disclosing my name. The supply officer after taking the cow will also have to provide my share, they will not be eating it.”
In that way, slaughtering of cows belonging to Meiteis was banned by issuing a pass. At hearing that the Hindus have also insisted to issue pass for them too saying, “because of we are Hindus, we don’t want the cows to be slaughtered. Passes were issued for them too thereby saving the cows of the Meitei and the Hindu from being slaughtered. If the source of religion was to seek truth and purity, then there shouldn’t have any difference between religions.
Afterwards, the supply officer was tricking in trying to take the cow. When Guna Singh met the supply officer, he said –
“We came to give Swaraj to your people, we would be fighting war with the British so you people should heartily give the cow as it is meant to feed the cow who are facing hardships and difficulties deep inside the hills. In hearing that Shri Guna responded, “Swaraj means having the capability to protect the culture and religion of the native land. Hindus worshipped cow as god. If you demand to give cow to slaughter and it, then it is not the swaraj we wanted.”
That way slaughtering of cows owned by Hindus and Meiteis was completely banned. After that he return to Molaik and started engaging in many war related activities. In the evening, the British aeroplane used to come and airdropped bomb directing to their office and also fired machine guns. They, after having meal in the early morning, had to go to the hills and work in the early morning. Maps brought out by Japan had all the information exhaustively in detail. It contained all the villages and connectivity. Food productivity of the place to be landed was first assessed and evaluated because there would be problem of marching for war due to land connectivity. Because of it, the ration for ten-fifteen days had to be carried by each person. It was so discussed that they would have their food from the places they reached and the costs of which would be met later after the end of the war. The Japanese officers asked Shri Guna Singh and Shri Murkha under what political arrangement they wanted Manipur to put. At that they replied, Manipur was a princely state but of late we have been under the rule of British colonialism otherwise Manipur have never been under any colonial subjugation. So Manipur would be an independent sovereign state as existed before.” Their stated stand was also agreed by the Japanese.
There were five parties in the office – 1). Manipur Party; 2). Uteji Party (Burma); 3). Amar Singh Party (India); 4). Khan Party (India); 5). INA Party led by Lieutenant Bhim Singh and Lieutenant Shyam Singh. Other parties were taken responsibility by their respective party leader. In the case of Manipur Party, responsibility was borne by Shri Guna Singh and Shri Murkha Singh.
Tomba Singh and Babu Singh from among the Meiteis and Takun who was a head of Awa spy were sent to establish relations with the people of the hills. That way they got Holkoyam Kuki who was a minor child of 12/13 years of and another of 30 years of age from Holkom Basti to help them in their mission. Afterwards Yolpao Kuki, Lamkhothang Kuki and Lamjangam Kuki also joined in. The Meiteis in Burma from Kalemyong, Mandalay, etc. also came together at Kendat and were ready prepared to go for war. Those Meiteis gathered there were given training by Mr. Mayurasan. In March, 1944 the recruits of Manipur were distributed under the Japanese officer – Mister Miyurasan and Naga Nisan. Along with 13 Meiteis they climbed up the Chin Hills and proceeded to Churachandpur. Their names were –
- Shri Balhav Singh, Bamon Leikai;
- Shri Mairembam Ahaljao, Moirang;
- Shri Salam Yaima Singh, Soibam Leikai;
- Shri Takhellambam Chandra Singh, Khurai
- Shri Mutum Chaoba Singh, Keirao;
- Shri Laishram Ningthemjao, Kendat;
- Shri Tomba Singh, Kendat;
- Shri Kshetrimayum Babu Singh, Tera Keithel;
- Shri Oinam Maipak Singh, Charangpat;
- Shri Ningthoujam Gulap Singh, Heirok;
- Shri Laishram Laishram Tomu Singh, Kendat;
- Shri Tombi Singh, Kendat; and
- Shri Mangi Singh, Kendat.
Already six persons have sent in that direction. They were –
- Shri Nongthombam Amu Singh, Huikap;
- Shri Chanam Amu Singh, Thoubal Wangkhem;
- Shri Sanajao, Thoubal;
- Shri Kongkham Angou Singh, Wabagai;
- Shri Sapam Angou Singh, Kabow Wakching; and
- Shri Thounaojam Tomba Singh, Moirang.
Led by Shri Guna Singh and Shri Murkha, the remaining Meiteis along with leaders from the hills climbed Changpal, Libung, and Khongkang Bastisituated at the southern boundary and proceeded towards the hill ranges of Sircom and Aungpasu for the war. The name of those who took part in it were –
- Shri Laishram Guna Singh, Lairikyengbam Leikai;
- Shri Laikhuram Murkha Singh, Thangmeiband;
- Shri Loukrakpam Murkha Singh, Keirao;
- Shri Aribam Atombabu Sharma, Thangmeiband;
- Shri Amu Singh, Thangmeiband;
- Shri Nongthombam Amu Singh, Kendat;
- Laishram Yugendra Singh, Kendat;
- Shri Batou Sharma, Mandalay;
- Shri Sitasen Sharma, Mandalay;
- Shri Bamao Sharma, Mandalay;
- Shri Sagolsem Khomdon Singh, Kendat;
- Shri Iboton Singh, Kakching; and
- Shri Maibam Thagoi Singh, Kendat.
From among those leaders, Shri Laikhuram Murkha Singh was migrated from Thangmeiband and settled to Kendat from where he came for war.
When the said party came for war at Changpol, the British army fled out of fear without even putting down the ‘Aloo Bhaja, (potato Fry) from the flame. Japanese army chased and killed many of them. Shri Lamkhothang Kuki and Onkhothang brought in many Kukis from the rival V Force to the Manipur Party. Because of the bringing in of many kuki Chiefs, Shri Guna Singh and his companion Yamadasan appointed him as the Captain of the V Force of Manipur Party. That way more and more hillsmen were brought in. Shri Lamkhothang Kuki hailed from Tengnoupal sub-division of Wayang Village.
That time, it was very much inevitably in need to send persons to Manipur to make aware of the emerging activities. When the manpower to carry out such activity was found to be very difficult, Shri Lamjangam Kuki along with his wife, Hoyakim, with great difficulty and hardships reached Manipur through Sugnu route. Letter and documents of the party were also given and let known of the reasons to Potsangbam Tomal Singh, Shri Laishram Kanhai Singh, Shri Thokchom Angou Singh because of which they gave maximum cooperation to Japan and INA. Lamjamang Kuki was once again sent to Sugnu and he brought the head of Sukom from Sugnu. Dr. Gulapchao Singh provided medicine and also gave maximum cooperation in the war for freedom of Manipur. Lamjangam Kuki was the head of the spy of Manipur party. He was also from the Wayang Village of Tengnoupal.
The party while camping at Sircom hill ranges were summoned by sending V Force and most of them turned up and also brought ration from their respective locality.
Afterwards the British army in Tukmu fell into the hands of Japan and those commodities abandoned were later used by the Japanese. The Chief of Sihao, Limkhuisei quit from his job of Section Commander of British V Force and joined the Manipur Party. As an officer, he was very hard working and did his duties speedily up to reaching Angprasu. After reaching Angprasu, Thongkhusat also after leaving the British force also joined the Manipur Party and assumed charge as leader of the V Force. Captain Yamadasan treated him very favourably hoping that they would soon be reaching Imphal.Following it so many village chiefs and leaders joined in. By the time they reached Chamon camp, they became the respective heads of V Force and counterbalanced the strength of enemy force.
After raising the camp at Angprasu, the Manipur Party received help from most of the village chief of the hills. Following it, camps were also raised at Chamon, Wangku, Khongjon, Monjang, and finally at Yaiphou. At one night, INA and some V Force led by Japanese officer, Yamadasan went for war at Chandel and had an exchange of fire. When Yamadasan burned their garrison, most of the villagers ran away. They captured one civilian. One day, a civilian who came for fishing at Chakpi was caught by the Manipur Party V Force and released him after deataining for six days with the instruction to spy on the British and inform them.
At a camp in Yaphou, there were also some 1000 INA soldiers under the command of a Subedar Major and Captain Devi Singh. There was an incident of bomb dropping at that place after about half a month. Simultaneously, the British fired multiple heavy artilleries round from Pallel and landed quite often very near to them at Chakpi River. At the same time, machine guns were also fired from the top of western hills along with airdropping bombs. Officer Yamadasan suggested to withdraw from there towards Khonjon side leaving some Japanese and INA soldiers there to guard the place, so they accordingly withdrew at Khongjon. In that incident, Shri Guna lost his war diaries and other many important documents. Among the casualties, some V Force and INA soldiers were injured, and some death casualties among the INA soldiers. Also one Halukhusei from among the V Force also died. They then erected camp at Wangku and stayed there with great hardship.
The Large footstep at Bongli
At the south, the 77th Indian infantry had already crossed Nigthi and Irrawaddy river of Burma in February 1943 and cut and dismantled tracks in many parts at ‘Katha’ (town in Sagaing region, Burma, on the west side of the Irrawaddy River) at the railway route of ‘Myitkyina’ (means ‘near the big river’, capital city of Kachin state in Burma situated in the west bank of Ayeyarwaddy river). The rations for their soldiers were all airdropped from the plane. In January 11, 1944, troops of 15 Indian Core captured and took over ‘Maungdaw’ (A town in Rakhine state, Western Burma). The British greatly hurdled and inconvenienced the Japanese in ferrying their goods by airdropping bombs in most of their routes. In the west some 500 miles ahead, Chinese-American army of General Stilwell came down to ‘Hukaung Valley’(located in Tanaing township, Mythkyina District ,Kachin state, Myanmar) which was situated at the root of Ningthi River. He took rapid advances towards the south. On May 17, the Chinese Army from towards the east crossed Salwin River and proceeded up to Myitkyina airport. In Katha, the 3 Indian Division posed danger to the four important places of Japan. They were:
- Myitkyina and Mandalay Railway route;
- Land route at the Western bank of Ningthi river from ‘Homalin’ (a town in north-western Burma, in Hkamti District of Sagaing region which lies on the Chindwin river) to ‘Ingdao’;
- The route reaching ‘Bhamo’ (a city in Kachin state, Northern Myanmar situated on the bank of Ayeyarawady River) which passes through Shan state in the west; and
- Water routes of Ayeyarawady reaching Bhamo.
So, with the eminent danger in most of the supply lines of Japan, the ration for the soldiers in Manipur have almost dried up. The deteriorating condition in Burma coupled with the insufficient ration due to seizure of all available routes compelled them to retreat. Captain Nagao San told to Shri Guna Singh, “You all should retreat to Burma and wait for the war and again go for war after one or two year because America is approaching nearer to Japan in the Pacific ocean. We had to first protect our capital city. Then afterwards we will go for war to India.”
In the interim, the Manipur Party could not materialise their plan to regroup at Mandalay due to the rapid advances made by the Allied Forces. The enemies started hunting down to nab them. So, they were finding it difficult to find their place for shelter. This was evident from what Uthonten alerted to Shri Guna Singh and his party saying, ‘keep remaining in hiding for the time being as a communique in writing is received notifying to nab youse and handed over to them’.Accordingly they remained in hiding. Simultaneouslywritten communiques were also received in uninterrupted frequency to nab Koireng Singh of Moirang, Potsangbam Tomal Singh and Guna Singh if they were found and would be suitably rewarded for it. This compelling circumstance made them to escape from Myanmar inconspicuously and reached Manipur at the night time in August 1945. The activities of Manipur party were also then no longer heard afterwards.On 6 May 1945, the Allied Forces reined in and completely took over Burma.
(Aheibam Koireng Singh is Assistant Professor in Centre for Manipur Studies, Manipur University and Hanjabam Shukhdeba Sharma is Assistant Professor, Dept. of Social Work, IGNTU, RC-Manipur)
