IT News
Imphal, April 14:
The 78th Anniversary of Flag Hoisting Day was observed yesterday at INA Martyr’s Memorial Complex, Moirang with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh gracing the function as Chief Guest. The Function was organised by the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur.
It was on 14th April, 1944 that the Tricolor Flag of Free India was first hoisted at Moirang.
Soon after his arrival at the INA Martyr’s Memorial Complex, N. Biren Singh led the other dignitaries in paying floral tribute to the Statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and also unfurled the Indian Tricolor Flag installed inside the complex.
Speaking on the occasion, N. Biren Singh expressed that he felt honoured taking part in Moirang Utsav being observed in connection with the 78th Flag Hoisting Day. He termed the day (14th April) as a historic day for people of the Country adding that on 14th April, 1944, Lieutenant Colonel Shaukat Ali of Indian National Army (INA) hoisted the Tricolor Flag of Free Indian for the first time on Indian Soil.
The Chief Minister continued that in early April of 1944, the Subash Brigade of INA along with 33 Division, Japanese Army crossed the Indo-Burmese Boundary to form Imphal Front. On 14th April, 2022, the combined force after capturing Moirang, reached the house of Hemam Nilamani of Moirang Konjengbam Leikai and set up the first Headquarter of INA in India.
He recalled that 96 Manipuris took part in the efforts of INA to capture Moirang from the British Army and hoist the Tricolor Flag. He informed that the State Government had already acquired land for the construction of new INA Memorial Hall and construction work for the same had been started. Regarding the expansion of INA Headquarter Complex, he stated that the existing area was 0.46 acres along with the house which was used to be the INA Headquarter and added that the Government is in process to acquire 2.12 acres of adjoining areas to develop it into a World Class INA Memorial Park.
He continued that a 165 feet tall Indian National Flag, highest in Northeast, would be installed at the INA Headquarter Complex for which the pole had already been erected. Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah will visit the State and unfurl the Indian National Flag as a part of the 100 Days Action Plans, he added.
MLA, Moirang AC Thongam Shanti and President, Akhil Bhartiya Poorva Sainik Seva Parishad Lt. Gen. V.K Chaturvedi were Guests of Honour of today’s programme. Water Resources Minister Shri Awangbow Newmai, Members of Legislative Assembly, Chief Secretary and other officials also attended the 78th Flag Hoisting Day observation.
