On the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day, a significant event took place at the Indian National Army’s (INA) headquarters in Moirang, located in Manipur’s Bishnupur district. The tallest flagpole in Northeast India, standing at 165 feet, was erected at this historic site, symbolizing the enduring pride and glory of the nation.
The INA, under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, first hoisted its flag on Indian soil in Moirang in 1944, making this location a landmark in India’s struggle for independence. The unfurling of the tricolour at this site on Independence Day is a tribute to that pivotal moment in history.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who played a key role in this initiative, took to social media to express the significance of the event. “Today, we proudly witness the unfurling of the tricolour at the historic INA headquarters in Moirang, Bishnupur district. The flag flies high atop the 165 ft tall flagpole, the tallest in North-East India, symbolising our nation’s pride and glory. The INA headquarters, established by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, holds great historical importance. On April 14, 1944, the Indian National Army (INA) first hoisted the tricolour here, marking a pivotal moment in our struggle for independence,” he shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Singh further emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by freedom fighters during India’s struggle for independence. “As we celebrate Har Ghar Tiranga, let us remember and honour the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and the enduring legacy of India’s Freedom Struggle,” Singh urged.
Earlier, Chief Minister Singh shared the inspiration behind the project, revealing his desire to surprise Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “I thought of unfurling the tallest flag in Eastern India and engaged a few persons to do it. A new architectural design which covers the old building of the INA headquarters was built. We heard that the old Azad Hind Forces headquarters still had bullet holes and a place of hiding. We reached out to the owner of the house and told him that the government will properly compensate the owners by giving them land,” Singh explained.
The initiative has been widely praised, particularly by Y Modhu Singh, Convenor of the INA Memorial, who commended the Manipur government for its efforts to preserve and restore the historic INA headquarters. “We want to convey our congratulations and appreciation to CM Biren Singh for showing keen interest and building a new structure above the old headquarters of INA without altering the old buildings. This will attract pilgrims from all across the country,” he stated.
The house, which was previously owned by social activist Hemam Nilamani Singh, played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle. It served as the INA headquarters after Moirang was liberated on April 14, 1944. Hemam Nandkumar Singh, the grandson of Nilamani Singh, recounted the historical significance of the residence. “My grandfather joined the INA movement in 1944, and his residence became the INA headquarters after Moirang was liberated on 14th April 1944. The residence was handed to Colonel Shaukhat Malik. After the retreat of INA, he went to Rangoon (in Myanmar) and dedicated himself to the cause of India’s freedom struggle for a year under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Rangoon,” Nandkumar Singh shared.
Adjacent to the INA headquarters is the INA museum, which houses a rich collection of letters, weapons, and other memorabilia from the war. Among the most prized possessions are handwritten letters from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. L Sadhna Devi, the museum’s curator, highlighted these invaluable items, stating, “We have handwritten letters of Netaji, and the original ones are displayed here…”
The towering flag and the restoration efforts at the INA headquarters serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters and the enduring legacy of India’s fight for independence. The event has not only rekindled national pride but also reinforced the historical significance of Moirang as a symbol of resistance and the quest for freedom.