Moirang

1. Moirang in Manipur, a lesser-known yet historically significant town, symbolizes India’s freedom struggle.
2. The town hosts Northeast India’s tallest flagpole, a tribute to the Indian National Army (INA).
3. It honors the bravery and sacrifice of INA soldiers under Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s leadership.

Moirang, Aug 15: As India marks 78 years of Independence, the lesser-known yet historically significant town of Moirang in Manipur shines as a symbol of the nation’s freedom struggle.

This town, which houses Northeast India’s tallest flagpole, stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian National Army (INA) under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

At the heart of Moirang, the Indian National Flag soars 165 feet high, making it the tallest in the Northeast. This very ground witnessed a momentous event on April 14, 1944, when Lieutenant Colonel Shaukat Ali of the INA, under the guidance of Netaji, hoisted the Tricolor for the first time on Indian soil, signaling the dawn of freedom.

The INA Martyrs’ Memorial Complex in Moirang, located 45 km south of Imphal, stands as a tribute to the valiant soldiers of the INA.

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The complex features a meticulously reconstructed version of the original INA memorial in Singapore, which was tragically destroyed by British forces in 1945.

Alongside this memorial, the complex houses a museum, library, and auditorium, all dedicated to preserving the legacy of the INA. A statue of Subhas Chandra Bose proudly stands as a reminder of his unwavering commitment to India’s freedom.

The memorial, originally inaugurated by Indira Gandhi in 1969, underwent expansion and was completed in its current form in 2005, with a total investment of Rs 6.23 crores.

Additionally, a stone monument has been erected at the historic Moirang Kangla, where Colonel S. A. Malik of the INA raised the flag of Azad Hind in April 1944.

The significance of Moirang extends beyond its borders. Close to the complex is the peace memorial at Lotpaching, established by the Japanese government, and 205 km north of Moirang in Chesezu, Nagaland, lies another monument connected to the INA.

Here, a statue of Netaji marks the last camp where he stayed for two months, further solidifying Moirang’s place in the annals of India’s struggle for independence.

The restoration and preservation of these sites by the N Biren Singh-led Manipur Government have brought them back to their former glory, ensuring that future generations remember the sacrifices made for India’s freedom.