The Real heroes of India:

Azad-Hind-Fouz

Indian National Army

‘Let us create history, let else some will write about it’

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

 I.N.A stands for Indian National Army, popularly
known as Azad-Hind-Fouz formed during the second
Great War with the help of Japan and people of
South-east Asia to fight against the British
imperialism in India, to make free India from the
hands of British. Up to certain extent, they were
successful; they entered in India, reached up to
Imphal. But for the want of arms and regulations
needed for modern war, air force, natural calamities
and mostly the defeat of supporting axis power in 2nd
world war they were not able to progress further
more. However, their motive was successful. Their
patriotism played an important role to motivate the
Indian people and leader for in the fight for freedom.
Their patriotism change the way of thinking of
worldwide people about the condition and thinking of
Indian people. They proved that the Indian people
not only knew how to accept death for their
motherland but also how to killed people for
protecting the respect of their motherland.

Formation and history of I.N.A

Through the I.N.A was formed during the 2nd world

war, the thinking of planning such an armed force
was much older. In India, first armed revolution was
started in 1857, later national leaders like BAL
gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Paul advocated about
formation of armed forces for making India free. The
thinking and planning of the great leaders
implemented during the second Great War in
Southeast Asia. In India through lots of people
accepted the way of armed revolution from the very
beginning of 20th centaury but they were not
organized as an army require to be. Rashbihari Bose,
a great Indian revolutionary who left India in the
year 1915 found a great opportunity in 2nd world war
to give a last fight to the British since that time
British Govt. and army was in a great trouble against
the Jarmany-italy-japan army all over the world. He
perused Japan for helping them in formation of an
army to fight against the British who was their
common enemy that time. Japan was agree to give
him all types of help and declared their vision of
making Asia for the Asians. ”Asia for the Asians, go
home white” .Rashbihari Bose through an old man
but at that time he was working like a youth, he
organized the people of Southeast Asia in an
incredible way. He used to say

I was a fighter,
One fight more.
The last and
the best.
Japan Government kept their promise. They handed
over more than 40000 Indian soldiers (working
under British Government in the world war, arrested
by the Japan during the war) to Rashbihari Bose,
Pritam Singh Giyani, swami satyanand Puri, N.
Raghobon (Indian revolutionaries living in Japan that
time) for forming an independent army as per their
promise. The army was forming gradually for making
their motherland free. There was no different
treatment of human beings for

their religion. Their one and only identity was that

they were human, they were Indian. When they were
under British Govt. they were always ill treated, the
British always follow the ‘divide and rule ‘policy on
them. However, things were changed in I.N.A. In
their words,” In India we have many religions and
many gods. But here every thing is Jai hind” All was
going very smoothly. I.I.L (Indian Independence
League) formed in Japan played a prominent role in
organizing people for I.N.A. but suddenly accident
took place, Captain Mohan Singh and some other
military person who were playing important part in
I.N.A loosed their patience
 And started creating pressure
on Rashbihari Bose for allowing them for going war
against the imperialism British army. At that, Japan
Govt. was not ready to give full support to I.N.A;
Rashbihari was engaged in diplomatic talking and
meetings to get the full support because without the
help of Japan fighting against the British army would
be a suicide. Mohan Singh and some other army
officer left I.N.A and the Japan army arrested them.
Mohan Singh was arrested on the 20th December
1942 and ordered dissolving the I.N.A were sought
to be enforced. This incident brought a great
obstruction on the way of I.N.A. Nevertheless,
Rashbihari was not ready to give up, he started
reorganizing the mentality and morality of the army
men left in I.N.A.

With the passage of time Rashbihari grew older,

he realized that it would not be possible for him to
lead the army to its ultimate objective. At last, he
decided to call another legendary revolutionary
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose lead the newly formed
army to victory. Netaji Subhas was that time in
Germany.
 Who also found it quite easy to
move the revolution from comparatively closer place
to India like Japan. Via 3-month long historical
submarine journey he reached Japan.9th February,
1943 Subhas started from Germany and reached
Japan on 6th may. Through Subhas reached in Japan
but many people including the Japanese officers
were dreadful about the meeting of Subhas and
Rashbihari Bose. Both Subhas and Rashbihari had
played important role in the freedom movement of
India, both were great leaders, there might be
complexities in their meeting. But all proved wrong,
Subhas and Rashbihari both the two great son of
mother India had great respect for each other. They
had only one goal in life to see their motherland free
and nothing was more important than that. It was
immaterial for them that who was working under
whom. Subhas reached Singapore on 2 July 1943
and on the 4 July 1943 at a great conference of
Indian delegates from all over East Asia. Shri
Rashbihari Bose handed over the leading power of
I.N.A to Subhas Chandra Bose.
 A new chapter was started in I.N.A. Subhas
Chandra Bose from 25 August, the greatest patriotic
leader ever produced by India was in command of
I.N.A. He encouraged the army men in a great way.
With his arrival on the scene the whole prospective
changed, as if by some miracles. The millions of
people in southeast Asia at once felt that the man of
the Hour had come for their deliverance and their
enthusiasm burst in a volcanic eruption.
The formation of the Indian National Army was
announced to the world in due course and Indian
youths; Hindu, Muslim and Christian began to rally
round its banner in ever-increasing numbers. It
represented all the provinces of India and soon its
number swelled to 1500 officers and 50000 other
ranks. The following pledge had to be signed by each
member of the army:
“I hereby voluntarily ad of my free will join and
enlist myself in the Indian National Army. I solemnly
and sincerely dedicate myself to India and hereby
pledge my life for her freedom. I will serve India and
the Indian independence movement to my fullest
capacity; I will seek no personal advantages for
myself. I will regard all Indians as my brothers and
sisters without distinction of religion, language or
territory.”
He removed the communal thinking among the
army men from the grass level. Subhas had a dream
to form an armed force to give an ultimate fight to
British imperialism and now he got the much-desired
armed force. And the army men of I.N.A found a
dynamic leader in him after Rashbihari Bose. Both
were encouraged by each other in a great way. There
was no difference treatment for anyone in I.NA
irrespective of his or her religion, age, sex. Example
of Subhas Bose the supreme of the army can be
given who used to take the same food as the other
army men. They were working like a unit, a family
consisting of father, mother, brothers and sisters for
to achieve the glory, to make their country free.
In the words of Major Shah Nawaz Khan,” it is on
account of these facts that we of the Azad Hind fouz refuse
to believe that it is not possible for all Indians to unite and
live together like brothers and sisters and work for creation
of a great, free, and united India.”

‘As soldiers, you will always have to cherish and

live up to the three-ideals of faithfulness, duty and
sacrifice. Soldiers who always remain faithful to their
nation, who are always prepared to sacrifice their
lives, are invincible.
If you, too, want to be invincible, engrave these three
ideals in the innermost core of your hearts’
Netaji’s speech for his army men.

The main factor working behind the success of

I.N.A beside the dream to serve motherland was the
love of leader towards his co-coordinators and the
respect for leader in the eyes of co-coordinators.
Netaji used to say,”let us create history, let else
someone will write about it”.

The marching song of The I.N.A was:

 Kadam Kadam badhaye ja.
Khusi ka git gaye ja;
Yeh zindegi hai kom ki,
Tu kom pai lutaye ja !
Tu sher-e-Hind age badh,
Marne se fir bhi tu na dar;
Josh watan bodhaye ja !
Teri himmat badhti rahe !
Khuda teri suntan rahe;
Jo samne tere chade,
To khak men milaye ja !
Chalo Dilli pukarke,
Komi nishan sambhal ke
Lal kile gadhke
Lahraye ja,lahraye ja !

Priory a good number of men in I.N.A was afraid

about the future of them. Would they need to work
under japaneese order in the fight against the
British? Would Japan replaced the position of British
and again start their imperialism in India? But after
the arrival of Netaji there was no as such question in
their mind. They were taught that after the fight
against the British if requires they would fight
against the Japan army to protect the pride o India.
The officer who had left I.N.A with Mohan Singh was
called back again. Most of them returned after
hearing such a heartily call.
 Every army needs a huge amount of funds for
their maintenance and their various types of
expenses. I.N.A also needed it.

Understanding it, Japan came with monitory support.

But neither Netaji nor the other officers of I.N.A
wanted to continue their movement dependent on
foreign help. They started collect funds from the
people of South-east Asia. People gave an incredible
response. In the words of Shah Nawaz Khan, “ A
large number of Indians(not only Indians but also
from the other countries)among who were included
members of almost every community, give their all
to the Azad Hind Fouz and became ‘fakirs’ for the
sake of their country. Whole families joined the
I.N.A. the father joined the I.N.A ,mother Rani of
Jhansi Regiment and little children Balsena.Koro sob
nichawar, Bono sob Fakir was the slogan of Netaji
gave them and men like Habib Betai, khanna and
numerous others willingly gave all their fortunes
amounting to several lakhs to the Azad Hind
Government and became fakirs. A total sum of 20
crores was collected and deposited in the Azad Hind
Bank Rangoon.”
 Every man is patriotic. But there need an
incident to awake the patriotism in him. The
activities of Azad-Hind-Fouz and their leader Subhas
being worked as the required incident, which flame
the fire on them. Description of many incidents can
be illustrated so to show the feeling of people for the
Azad-Hind-fouz. (Later British Govt. said that Subhas
and his
armies via the way of looting poor people collected
their required fund). Let us examine the true from
the incidents given below:
In the words of Shah Nawaz Khan, “After Netaji
had finished his speech; he made an appeal for
funds. Thousands of people came forward to donate.
They formed a queue in front of Netaji, each one
coming up on his turn, handed over his donation to
Netaji and left. Most of the people who formed queue
were donating large sums. Suddenly an old woman,
very poor laborer goes up to the stage. She was in
tatters and had even no cloth to cover her hand.
With abated breath, all of us watched her. She took
out three rupees notes and offered them to Netaji,
Netaji hesitated. She said Netaji ‘Please accept this.
This is all I posses.”
Habib Sahib, the famous businessman of south-
east Asia gave a total sum of 1 crore and 3 lakhs and
in return he took one uniform of Azad-Hind-Fouz for
himself and permission of serving it.
When the milkmen heard the call, they gave
their everything, after sometime they returned with
thousands of cattle. They said that they want to give
everything for the movement. Everything means
everything they had. So they brought their cattle
too.
A young boy suddenly came to Netaji’s office
and said he want to see Netaji. He was allowed to go
inside and gave a donation of 5 lakhs. He didn’t tell
his name. His goal was to see Subhas and helped the
Azad-Hind-fouz with what he had and nothing else.
At that time, it was said that the power of British
emperor depends on Indian army. But out of fear
that one day the Indian army might stand against
them, Indian army men were not given training
required for modern war, they
were not promoted from their post; they were
treated in a different way on the basis of their
religion. But here every thing was changed. Army
men were given modern training, post depending on
their performance. All were allowed performed their
religious work but there were no deference in
treatment. Religions had made differences among
the men under British but here the same factor was
united them with each other. It might e the first time
in the history of India when Hindus were in hand
with Muslims entered mosaics and in the same way,
Muslims with Hindus entered temples. Mahatma
Gandhi also accepted it and said it might the
greatest work done by the I.N.A officers along with
Subhas.
Jai Hind

The blind supporter of youth and its power

Subhas then working for taking the reorganization of
supportive nations for the I.N.A. At last, it was on 21
October 1943, the independent Govt. was formed in
Japan. On 23rd Japan first recognized the provisional
government of free India, on 24th Burma, on 27th
Croatia , on 29th Germany, on 1st November Manchuk
and nanking Govt. of china, 9th November Italy, then
Philippines and lastly the Thailand.

Congratulations were given by De.valera, the

famous freedom fighter of Ireland. The I.N.A Govt.
was formed on 21st.
The list of the ministers was as follows:
Subhas Chandra Bose: president, prime
minister, war and foreign affair minister.
Captain Laxmi Swaminathon: women’s
organization.
S.A. Ayer: publicity and
propaganda
Lt. Col A.C. Chatterjee : Finance
A.M. Sahay :secretary(with ministerial rank)
Rashbihari Bose: supreme Advisor

Other advisers were Korim Goni, debnath

Dass, D.M. Khan, A. yelllappa, J. thivy,
Sarder Ishar singh.

A. N. Sarker: Legal advisor.

Army representatives were Cal. J.K. Bhonsle,
Lt.cal aziz Ahmad, Col M.Z kiani, Lt cal. A.D
Loganathon,Lt. cal. Ishan Quadir, Lt. col. Shah
Nawaz khan,Lt. col. N.S.Bhagat, Lt. Col. Guljara
Singh.

I.N.A ministers

In I.N.A, a division was there for women, priory

women were playing role of nurse but now they were
also in battlefield. Netaji wanted a direct
participation of the girls in the up coming war; he
called girls to participate in the war. Who would
ignore such a hearty call, a call to free their
motherland? Girls from all the community including
from conservative Muslim families and Anglo-Indians
families also participated in it. The name of division
was Jansi Rani Fouz. The girls and women were
mentally and physically ready to support their
brothers in battlefield directly.

During training season

In addition to Jhansi Rani Regiment, there was
also ‘Balak Sena’ formed by the boys and girls of age
12-18 years. Who off and on march through crowded
street and thick jungles ad formed a sort of rear-
groud of the Azad-Hind –Fouz, It also presented a
model of the future free India Army. The courage and
every Indian heart with pride. It has been reported
that a member of these ‘Balak sena’ formed a part of
the Azad-Hind-Fouz’s suicide squared and in the
capacity went to the length of lying down benath
Allied’s tanks in the battle fields of Burma with mines
tied up with their backs with a view to blow up the
enemy tanks.

In I.N.A, there was not only arm training but

also moral training, so that after freedom they would
make a great India. Netaji Subhas gave strict
direction that girls and women should be treated
properly, for them he was like a father. Many girls
went to him and talked with him regarding various
matters including family matters. He listened to
them and advised them like their father. There was
only one dream irrespective of their cast, religion,
sex to see India free and one slogan “Jai Hind”.

Training of Jhansi Rani Regiment

On 23 October 1943 at mid-night (12-05), Azad-

Hind Government declared war against the British
and American army in Southeast Asia. It seemed
that someone had awakened the all-Indian people in
Southeast Asia form their long sleep. Some of them
were crying in happiness, while some other
celebrating likes a festival. After a long slavery, they
were now on their feet. The next day, the president
of provisional Government of Azad-Hind-Fouz Netaji
Subhas in front of 50000 people declared war. The
greatest patriotic leader got the great patriotic army
there. With his

as usual confidence voice Netaji started saying,” The

British know very well that I say what I mean and
what I mean I say. So when I say ‘war’. I mean war
–war to the British-a war that can only end in the
Freedom of India.”
Netaji was very clear about the goal and the
means, which would carry him towards goal. Now
the every army men were sure that they would need
to give blood to get their mostly desire free India. It
might be the first time in the history when people
were coming spontaneously to give their everything
for the cause of seeing the country free in which they
were not living. But it was Netaji Subhas and his
patriotic army whose activates encouraged the
people in giving everything irrespecting of their
caste, religion.
The national anthem of the provisional
Government of I.N.A was:

Subh chain ki barkha bares Bharat bhag hai jaga,

Punjab Sindh Gujrat Maratha Dravid Utkal Banga
Chanchal Sagar Bindh Himala neela Jamna Ganga,

Tere nit gun gae,

Tujse jeewan pae
Sab tan pae asha;

Suraj ban kar jag par chakme Bharat nam Subhaga,

Jai-ya ho, Jai-ya ho, jai-ya ho,

 Jai-ya Jai-ya Jai-ya Jai-ya ho !

Sab ke dil men prit basae teri mithi bani,

Har sub eke rahne wala har mazhab ke prani,

Sab bhed-o-farak mita ke,

Sab god me teri ake,
Goonthen prem ki mala;

Suraj ban kar jag par chamke Bharat nam Subhaga,

Jai-ya ho, Jai-ya ho, jai-ya ho,

Jai-ya Jai-ya Jai-ya Jai-ya ho !

It was written by Hussain, and also rewarded by

Netaji a total sum of ten thousand dollar.
The activates of I.N.A was going in a lightening
speed. On 5 November, in a seminar of east-Asian
countries Japan announced that they would transfer
the Andaman and the Nicobar Islands to the
provisional Government of free India in a near
future.
Training Season of I.N.A

Now the ultimate moment was appearing before

all, they were preparing for it for quite a long time.
The army troops were divided in mainly 5 groups.
Namely, Gandhi Brigade, Subhas Brigade, Nehru
Brigade, Azad Brigade and for the woman members
of I.N.A the Rani Jhansi Regiment.

There were another secret force was formed

called Bahadur team, whose function was to enter
India and get engaged in destructive activities
against British Govt. and to bring the Indian
armies(working under British Govt. who were that
time 75% of the total British army in Asia) to Azad-
Hind-fouz. Secret agents were sent to India for
giving information from there; in addition to that,
there was internal security system for keeping strict
eyes on the activities of treacherous under (Debnath
Das was in charge of it). The reconstruction
department, banks, army hospitals were also
formed. Currency and postal stumps were also
printed. Banks were formed to keep the funds of
I.N.A safe.

Currency of I.N.A

Postal Stumps of I.N.A Government

Through Japan was the supporting nation of I.N.A but in war

position of both the army would be same. Netaji assured it
with Japanese officers, in the words of Major
A.C.Chatteree,”The Azad Hind Fouz and the Japanese Army
wre to be of equal status. Officers of equal rank were to
salute each other simultaneously, while seniority of rank in
each Army would be acknowledged by each other.” It was
again after a long discussion with Japanese officers it was
decided that an Indian would the governor the counsel
formed for working on Indian soil (captured area after war
with British).
Before going into war with Japanese, president of the
provisional Govt. of I.N.A Subhas Bose in a meeting with
Japanese General Kawabe took the following decisions:

1. The two armies would work on a common strategy.

2. Officers and men of the Azad-Hind-Fouz would be
under their own military law (The I.N.A act) and not
under the Japanese military law and police.
3. Liberated territories were to be handed over to the
Azad-Hind-Fouz.
4. A definite independent sector would be allotted to the
Azad-Hind- Fouz.
5. The only flag to fly over the Indian soil would be
National Tri-color.

6. No indiscriminate bombing in Calcutta was to be carried

out.

7. Any Japanese or Indian soldier found looting or raping

any women was to be shot at once.

It was also decided during that meeting that both the Indian
armies and the Japanese armies would salute each other,
there would no difference in status between them.
One day while going to battlefront suddenly a British air
troop attacked on the I.N.A men,2 were injured and an army
person Jit Singh was died. Jit Singh was the first martyr of
I.N.A movement.
On 27th 1943 November General Tazo handed over the
Andaman and the Nicobar Island to the possession of the
provisional Government of I.N.A keeping their words given
earlier.
Indian National Army
In the war, the I.N.A was divided in following ways:

1st Division-It was working under Major M.Z. kiani. there

were three brigades was its under namely Gandhi brigade,
Subhas Brigade and Azad brigade.
Subhas brigade was leading by Major General Shah
Nawaz Khan, Gandhi Brigade was under Col. I.J. kiani and
the Azad brigade was under col. Guljara Singh.

2nd Division- It was working under Col. Aziz Ahmad (later

under Shah Nawaz khan). There were also three brigades
was its under namely 1st brigade,2nd brigade and Nehru
brigade.
1st brigade was under the leadership of Col. S.M.
Hossain,2nd brigade was under Col. P.K. Sahgal and Nehru
Brigade was under Col. G.S. Dhillon.

3rd Division-It was working under N.S. Bhagat (later

G.R.Nagar). There were also three brigades was its under
namely 6th,7th and 8th brigade. Col. A.I.S.Dhara, Col. Gurumit
Singh and Col. Bisen Sigh were respectively in charge of 6th,
7th and 8th brigade.
In addition to that there were command Groups. One of
them was Bahadur Groups(Col. Burhanuddin was in charge)
and another was Intelligence group(under col. S.A. Malik).

There was another team called Azad-Hind Team whose

function was to inspect the administrative workings in the
areas which would be captured by I.N.A in war.

In medical units there were Ali Akbar Khan, Hem Mukerjee,

Col. Chandranath Chatterjee, Col. Nandi, Col. Menon, Col.
Aamio Chakroborty and Major Gyan Dasgupta with other
experienced doctors.

Rani Jhansi Regiment was also ready. Their duty was not
only to nurse and serve the injured army men but also to
take an active part in the battlefield.

On 4th February Subhas brigade started its Journey. The

whole Brigade was divided in three groups. The 1st group
was under te leadership of Major P.S. Raturi.The group
would go from the way of Prom, taungup, maio, haung,
kaulot, pwaltoa to kaladan valley. There they would fight
against the nigro armies of British.

The 2nd and 3rd battalion under the leadership of Major Ron
Singh and Major Podom Singh would go via Melinda,
kaleowa towards haka and chin area.
Through they had no improved arms and regulations, hardly
any air coverage, less numbers of men but they had the
most important spirit and confidence. They were progressing
with one slogan given by their leader Subhas Bose “chalo
Delhi”. A magical word, which awake them from a long
sleep, which gave them courage to fight against much
developed British and American armies. They refused to
believe that they were weak to any power in this world. If a
son can’t wait for getting weapon to protect his mother’s
respect, how could they wait to bring in the respect of their
motherland from the hands of cruel foreigners.

Moving towards battlefield

On the very date, great news came from battlefield. A

team, which had gone earlier under L.S.Misra, made a great
destruction to the British army in Arakan area. In the words
of British army officer, ”the offensive in Arakan, launched on
February 4th,quickly cut off the 7th Indian Division in the
Mayu Valley. Among the reasons for success was the
reconnaissance and subdivision of an Indian outpost position
by Major L.S. Misra, the I.N.A commander in Arakan.”

The victory of I.N.A in Arakan gave a great joy to the

people of Southeast Asia. It was celebrated like a festival.
Netaji Subhas sent a congratulating mail to the commander
L.S. Misra saying,” All officers and men of the Indian
National Army and myself feel happy

and proud over the achievement of our troops at the

Arakan front under your command.”

In the mean time battalion1 of Subhas brigade started

their journey under Major P.S. Raturi’s command. They
started from Rangoon, Rangoon to prom by train, then on
foot 100 miles far thaungup, again on foot a distance of 15
miles to Miuhaung. The enemies passed sixteen army men
away in bombing by the enemy air force. At once they to the
near of kaladin river. They were informed that near there
was a nigro division of British army. They showed great
intelligence and bravery and destroy the whole division.
After the war they came into kaladin valley, there they got
information that near the area of their staying there was a
whole battalion of army. They were taking rest in bankers on
the top of the hills. Plan was prepared; they were waiting for
the night. Taking the advent of darkness of the night, they
all most quietly
reached to the bankers and jumped into them. Then started
wrestling with the unprepared armies, The battle was won
by the I.N.A armies and when the enemies were trying to
escape by ship they charge their machine gun,16 ships were
sunk in the river. In this war, 14 Indian army men got
martyrdom and 22 were wounded, 200 enemy army men
were killed in this war.

Major Raturi, with his

men giving a great fight to the British armies and forwarded
50 miles of area towards Indian border. Then he decided to
take rest and reorganize the army men. They captured
Paltwoa first and then Daletmi.

But the soldiers didn’t want to wait for a single second.

In the words of Major General Shah Nawaz Khan,”soldiers
frequently approached their officers and said: sahib, our
orders from Netaji are that we have to hoist the Tri-color on
Indian soil as soon as possible. Let us, therefore, not wait
for any rest here.”

After Daletmi they proceed towards Moorok. Result was

same, victory and victory. British soldiers did not afford the
sudden attack and bound to leave the place. They also left
their food items, arms

And regulations there, which proved to be a great help

for the Indian armies because they did not have such
develop arms in their hands yet.

But the place was dangerous for staying, realizing

chance of danger the experienced Japanese commander
suggested Major Raturi to left the place and made the camp
in elsewhere since the British army might return again there
at any time. ’impossible’ the first word of Azad-hind-fouz
hearing the suggestion of take back steps.” the Japanese can
retreat because Tokyo lies that way; our goal the Red Fort of
Delhi-lies ahead of us. There is no going back for us.”

They were ready to give their life but did not want to
retreat at any means. However, thinking about the supply
line Major Raturi with his main army men left the place but
they were not ready to loose the control of the place, which
they achieved after spending a lot of bloods and swats. A
small group of army stayed there under
captain Surajmol to keep the control of the place. Japanese
who are said to the bravest army in this world were also
astonished by the decision of the Major of I.N.A. Japanese
love bravery. Giving respect to the brave army men stayed
there, the Japanese commander also kept a platoon army
there. They would help the Indian army in protecting the
control of this area and work under the Indian commander.
Through the incident was small but it had its historical
value.’ It was probably the first time in the history of the
Japanese army that troops had been placed under command
of a foreign officer.’

The continuous victories of Major Raturi and his team

gave a great occasion to enjoy, celebrate to the Indians and
proved wrong the Japanese who doubts on the capabilities of
the I.N.A. General Kawobe in his latter to Netaji Subhas
accepted the misjudgment and said ,” Your Excellency, we
were wrong. We misjudged the soldiers of the I.N.A. We
know now that they are no mercenaries, but real patriots”

After Subhas brigade, it was the time for Gandhi brigade to

take participation in the war. Major M.Z.kiyani was in charge
of the division, under his instruction the responsibility of
leading Gandhi brigade was vested upon his cousin Col.
I.J.Kiyani. The enthusiasm of the Gandhi brigade was great
which also increase up to a great in the presence of
President Subhas .Via train they reached Mandalay. After
that, they started their journey on foot. It was a very tough
journey almost impossible. But it seemed nothing for them,
because freedom of motherland was much more important
than any sufferings. They were proceeding towards
battlefield with one slogan ‘Jai Hind’. They crossed on their
way big and deep rivers, horrible jungles, and high hills.
However, nothing was able to break their spirit, their
enthusiasm. ‘Chalo Delhi’ saying the words they used to
encourage each other in this long and dangerous ways.
Perhaps any army in the world history the longest distance
passed in its way.
Entering India

On 22nd March General Tazo in his lecture said about his

promise,” It is natural that all areas over which the Indian
National Army marches within India, must be placed
completely under the Administration of the Provisional
government.”

Each of the army man was proceeding in a lightening

speed, through they were fighting against thrice of their
numbers equipped with developed weapon, air support
British and American armies, they were like storm, it
seemed nothing in this world could able to stop them. They
were not equipped with improved arms and regulation but
they were equipped with patriotism, respect, love.

Subhas brigade, Gandhi Brigade, Azad Brigade were

moving in a lightening speed towards their goal. They
entered India, now their next targets were Kohima and
Imphal. The British army regiments like Royal Yorkshire
Regiment, Durham light Infantry, Royal Scotts were trying
every method to stop the storm, but who can stop the men
who were working for their mother. First Azad-hind-Fouz
captured G. T hills, after that captured the deputy
commissioner’s bungalow. They were a terrible situation for
the British army, at a time they were all in an area of 600
yards in length and 300 yards in breadth.
 In the words of the I, N.A advisor Debnath Das in his
book ‘Battle of Imphal: contemporary’,” The final onslaught
on Kohima was then under the command of col. Thakur

Singh, Second-in-command of the Subhas Brigade. The

tri-color Flag was hoisted on the mountains tops around
Kohima”

In the mean time, Netaji Subhas transferred his office

from Singapore to Rangoon, after capturing Kohima he
transferred himself to Mimeo to encourage the army men
more and more.Now the I.N.A was proceeding towards
Imphal. There was a great concentration of Engo- markin
army forces. They decided to attrack Imphal next.

Netaji inspecting the army trial

The bahadur group also started their work, entered in

Kohima and started influencing local people. Telling their
objectives, principles and trying to getting the local support.
Good news came from Bahadur group, the local leaders like
Koirang Singh (later became chief minister of Manipur in free
India) and Nilmoni Singh (cabinet minister in free India) was
ready to support I.N.A . Hearing the news of local support a
brigade started for Moirang. There was a great gathering of
the allied army, not only army from England and British
Indian army, American, African, and Chinese armies were
there. Another problem Of I.N.A was its long supply line, it
was very difficult to maintain the supply line since the
gathering of air forces in the sky was increasing day by day.
But it’s seemed they were encouraged by all that problems.

They gave a great fight to the allied force there; fight

with guns, wrestling nothing was exempted that day.
Through there were very less in numbers but at last their
mental power destroyed everything. The allied army men
were running from the place like little children in spite of
their great numberings and improved arms.

Chalo Delhi

On 14th April, 1944 Col. S. Malik, sector commander,

Azad Hind Fouz hoisted the National Flag of India. In the
words of the prime minister D. Ba. Mo, it was the burning
ideology of Subhas Chandra Bose that after a long time that
people of Southeast Asia started believe on their unity and
were able to inspire themselves for the great fight against
the British and American forces.

After Kohima, Moirang was also captured. Now the next

target set was Bishanpur. It was all about the victorious
I.N.A. Tanks, bombs can kill human beings but nothing can
kill the spirit in human beings. Allied forces had nothing to
do but to retreat and retreat. Bishanpur was alsp captured.
Kohima got free from the hands of British. The fighting spirit
of I.N.A not only afraid the Allied forces even the prime
minister of Britain Winsten Chachil forget to take breathings
who was also not able found any way to face the I.N.A.

He was asking for reserve forces frequently for saving

the Imphal. But I.N.A left no way for the allied forces for
entering Imphal. Hearing the great victories in Kohima, the
people of Southeast Asia started celebration, their sons were
victories against the British who kept them under their feet
for a long time. Now it was their turn to give reply. The
Japanese in Rangoon spoke highly of the I.N.A in battle, and
there were other reports of Kiani’s leadership and of the
wonderful work of his men.

There left only 3 miles to reach Imphal. Army men

were eager to overcome the distance and hoist the National
Flag there. Actually, it was not the fight of allied forces and
I.N.A but the war of rented forces and the patriotic sons of
mother India. Rented forces fight for money where patriotic
sons fight for the pride of their motherland. Not only in
Imphal but also in every battlefield Azad-Hind-Fouz gave
defeat to the allied forces. Example of klangklang battlefield
can be given here where on 14th May with his team Major
Mohomad Ahmmad reached. After passing a long distance of
20 miles, they reached a near place of the battlefield at
midnight but it was almost impossible climbing the high hill
but in that case, there remained only one way to reach the
hilltop where a number of tanks were waiting. At last, they
decided to take the way but the distance should be
overcome silently because if they (allied forces) would come
to know about the I.N.A then they would surely start their
tanks, which might be brought great difficulties for the men
of I.N.A. But in spite of great care the allied forces heard
their sound and started firing from the top upon them. They
got immediate reply from the Indian army; they also started
fire in the reply. Some army men under the leadership of
Captain Amrick Singh jumped into the trench of opposition
and started hand-to-hand fighting with the allied army
there. Through they were very few in numbers comparing to
the allied forces but they were fighting like hungry tigers.
The result was as usual, after a while it was found that the
rented armies were running for their life. How can some
goats fight with the tigers? In the next morning, the army
men hoisted their tri-color flags there.

British Empire always found Indian army is loyal to

them, how could they tolerate the disobedient Azad-hind-
Fouz. In Mithankhunaow, the famous British army regiment
‘Sea-fourth-highlander’ came with a view to destroy the
Azad-hind-fouz camps there with greater army support and
more improved arms and regulations. On the other hand Lt.
Ajaib Singh was also ready with his team, he ordered his
men to take position in trench as soon as he saw the British
forces. As the British army came to their reach, they
attacked them. The rented force with their improved arms
and regulations escaped for their life from that place. But
the British army attacked again with mortar and tanks but
result was same, ‘successful retreat’. In this way, they tried
thrice but every time they bound to show their back. Now
the ‘Sea-fourth-highlander’ regiment force came with more
than 3 thousands trained forces with more tanks and
bomber plains. While there were only 600 Azad fouz, some
of them was again seriously wounded. It was almost
impossible to fight in such a condition.

At beginning, the I.NA was in great trouble. The

highlanders surrounded Captain Rao with his team. Col. I.J
kiani was also in a same condition. In that condition there
was only way of surviving was to climb the reach the hilltop
and counter attack the highlanders from there which was
seemed almost impossible. But who would stop the boys
fighting for the pride of their motherland. Lt. Mansuklal with
his 30 men did the impossible work. They reached the hilltop
with great efficiency but unfortunately, Mansuklal was badly
wounded with 13 bullets in his body. Through his body was
wounded but his mind was still fresh,it was not ready to give
up to the enemies, when he found his army was at a loss
finding him wounded, he stood up on his feet and charge his
gun on the enemies saying ‘Jai Hind’,’ Netaji zindabad’. That
worked like a tonic. In I.N.A, the most important thing,
which was working that, was brotherhood. Finding Captain
Rao in trouble, Lt. Ajaib Khan without thinking about himself
counter attacked the highlanders with his men. Result was
shocking. Now the army men of I.N.A. surrounded the
complete British regiment. The hungry tigers found the taste
of blood; the whole battlefield was filled with the blood, dead
bodies, wounded bodies of British armies.

In the mean time soldiers of Jhansi rani regiment eager

to take direct part in war gave a latter to President Subhas
saying ‘It is you who taught us there is no distinction
between men and women. It is you who gave us training fit
for men-folk, have inspired us with courage and moral
stamina required for actual welfare. We have received
complete military training. In these circumstances why
should we not be sent to battlefront? It is our prayer that we
be sent to the front without delay.’

Now they the received the latter of order to take active

part with their brothers in war. Since the participating in a
direct war is always a difficult job, they were alerted a
number of time. It was a difficult work for the women to
stay in the battlefield, but their patriotism managed all. In
the darkness of 3’ o clock in the night, they started their
journey to the battlefield. Each of woman were very alert,
with almost keeping silence they reached a place near a hill
and ordered to take position. They found that the British
army regiment was staying a place at a distance of mile
from there. Finding the enemy from such a close distance
they were eager to attack them and waiting for the order of
attack. As soon as they got the order, each of them became
almost a firing machine. In the battlefield, they were
progressing like a storm. The British regiment was not able
to protect themselves from such a sudden attack and after a
while surrendered themselves to the officers Rani Jhansi
regiment. The girls won the action.

In the mean time, Azad-Hind-fouz also captured some

area from the allied forces in a lightening speed. On 20th
March Taungjon, on 21st Ukrul, on 22nd Tiddim and Moolon,
on 25th March Sanghak, on the 31st Morse, On 1st April Tamu
and kabau, on 5th April Hangtam , on 8th April
Kohima(mentioned above), on 14th Moirang, on 20th April
paletoa and tangonpal. Again on 7th May another regiment of
Azad-Hind-Fouz entered into the border of India attacking
from the south side.

General Chatterjee took the responsibility of the

administration of captured area of India. The local people
gave the name of ‘Noi sarkar’(means new government)
 Now the problem was for the army men of I.N.A was its
supply line. Since it was very long, so it became very
difficult to maintain it from the air attack of allied forces, in
addition to that there was a great problem regarding food
needed for the army. They were now depending on only rice
and salt, supply of which was very poor to the soldiers. The
local Naga people specially King Kolbel of saikot Village came
forward to solve the problem. In spite of their great trial, the
situation got hardly any improvement. There was thousands
of army where as the naga people were also suffering from
food problem.

In the mean time Netaji Subhas entered into India, He

visited Basudebpur, Churachandpur, Saikot villege. He came
to India after a long time (since his disappearance from his
house on 17th January, 1941 he never came to India), he
was very happy to got in touch with his motherland.

However, in the Imphal battlefield there was great war

between I.N.A and the allied forces. One was fighting for the
pride of their motherland and another was fighting to save
their emperor. The allied force was surrounded by the I.N.A
that time. Subhas brigade under the leadership of Major
General Shah Nawaz Khan siege the kohima road, Bahadur
group was protecting th Bishanpur-Moirang sector, in
Palettamu road Major General M.Z. Kiani with his division
and on another side His cousin I.J. Kiani with his Gandhi
regiment was fighting with the allied forces. Through the
allied forces were surrounded from all the side they refused
to surrender. So the war continues, through the I.N.A was
geographically in a sound position but the allied forces had a
batter weapon and utmost important abundant food supply.

In spite of the great sufferings due to lack of food

supply and ammunitions I.N.A gave a great fight to the
English- American forces. From a latter of G.S.Dhillon
written on 9th April,1945 exhibited later in famous red fort
trial we can draw a batter picture of the bravery of the
members of I.N.A during the war.

“It was a flat stretch of land without any cover either

from view or from fire, except a shallow dry pond near which
three roads of great tactical importance met. Four miles
north-west of this point was a hill 1,423 feet high behind
which the enemy Artillery was located so to cover the road
junction and the area south of it, the occupation of which
would effect the entire plan of operations.

At a key-point like this was placed a company of Azad

Hind Fouz under the command of 2-Lt.Gian Singh Bisht
trained at the officers Training School, Azad Hind Fouz. The
company was only ninety-eight strong. They had no
Machine-Guns or even Light Machine-Gans. Good old Rifle
were their only weapon of defense or offence apart from two
A/Tk. Mines. Their orders were to check any enemy advance
at all costs.

They remained in that position for two days, but the

enemy dare not advance. Then on 16th of March,1945,
starting early morning hostile Fighting Planes bombed and
machine-guned their positions until about 11 a.m. Having
got rid of all the load they had, aero planes went away. Then
the enemy guns from behind the hill started registering, and
behind this barrage of Artillery fire advanced a column of
Motorized Infantry consisting of 12 tanks, 11 armored cars
and 10 trucks. Halt of this column made its way straight
towards the pond where two Forward Platoons of the
Company were in position. Lead and explosives were being
thrown out of the Armored Fighting Vehicles, but this would
not frighten our boys, they waited in their trenches for
infantry to debus. Tanks and Armored cars like steel
monsters creating hell with their firepower approached so
close that they started charging on to our trenches so as to
crush and cripple our men under their heavy weight. Two
mines were thrown in their way, which unluckily did not
burst, but they caused monsters to stop which having
stopped became stationary pillboxes oozing out most
inhuman forms of killing materials.

There was no communications between this post and

the Battalion H. Qrs. When 2-Lieut, Gian Singh appreciated,
that their rifles fire was no match to enemy’s Mortars,
machine-guns, light automatics, hand grenades and their
staying in trenches meant certain death or captivity with no
loss to the enemy, he ordered ‘charge’. Leading the assault
he shouted slogans of ‘Netaji ki Jai’, ’Inqualab Zindabad’,
‘Azad Hindustan Zindabad’ and ‘chalo Delhi’. All the men
responded to slogans, which echoed above the enemy fire.
These was the only support which these heroes had against
the superior armaments of the enemy. In the name of India
and Indian independence they charged into the enemy
trucks. The enemy immediately debussed. Hand-to-hand
fighting ensured which lasted for full two hours, but our
heroes would not give in, forty of them sacrificed their lives
after killing more than equal number of the enemy. Their
unconquerable spirit harassed the enemy so much that he
started retreating.

Just than 2-Lieut. Gian Singh called, forward this third

Platoons Commander 2-Lieut. Ram Singh and was giving out
orders when a bullet struck on his head and he fell down
never to give out order again. 2-Lieut. Ram Singh then
collected the remnants of the company and re-organized.

2-Lieut. Gian Singh Bisht used to tell his man that he

would die with them, he fulfilled his promise and remained
their comrade in life and death. This was a glorious deed of
which the history will remain witness as long as there is
world. 2-Lieut. Gian singh and his men lived “up to the
ideals of our great leader-the Netaji” and have said down
their lives fighting by their posts to build up a tradition for us
to follow. In free India the spirit of those who knew no
defeat will be worshipped for generations to come and will
inspire the future sons of India to live up to such high
ideals.”

Here Netaji Subhas was waiting eagerly to hear the

news of his men fighting in the battlefield. On 6th July in a
radio speech, he send the message to the Gandhi asking his
blessing in the war against the British stating,’ Father of
Nation!” In this holy war for India’s liberation we ask for
your blessings and good wishes”.

On 9th July famous businessman of Myanmar Habib

Shaheb was awarded with ‘Sebok-i-hind’ for his selfless
contribution to the I.N.A movement.

In the battlefield I.N.A was fighting with a great

enthusiasm, but in war with spirit, enthusiasm, arms and
armaments are also needed. There was great gathering of
British- American soldiers. Which the I.N.A needed that time
was air attack for which they were depending on Japan.
They had also captured the most important airport. But that
time they got the worst news that Japanese were not able to
give air support them. The Japanese air force was that time
engaged with a great war against Americans in Pacific Ocean
area. It was beyond their worst imagination that like such an
important time they would not have the air support. They
could understand that they were in real trouble.

The allied forces was understood that I.N.A didn’t have

any air support. The air ways were totally open for them.
They started carpet bombing on the area captured by the
I.N.A from fighter planes.
In the words of Debnath Das, adviser of I.N.A,” I.N.A
Advance troops mobilized at Bishanpore were pounded by
enemy bombers almost continuously-no fighter plane on our
side to combat the enemy planes. Morning, the
Headquarters of I.N.A Advances forces was enemy’s target.
The road from Moirang to Bishanpore –the only
connecting link between the I.N.A Headquarters, and the
Advance Forces was so heavily bombarded at ease by
enemy’s B29 bombers to the point of softening the earth
that it was not possible for our tanks and armored vehicles
to negotiate the route”

There was a great lose for I.N.A. they loosed many

army members, some of them were also seriously wounded.
They loosed their connecting routes. Most of the armored
cars, tanks were destroyed. But the bombarding by fighter
planes can caused external damages, but who would give
water to the fire which was burning in their hearts. If there
was air support the result would be surely in their fever.
Since there was no air support, they would need to continue
their fight with what they had.

Now there started the dark history of I.N.A as well as

the most glorious history, which is needed to know by every
patriotic person in this world. The officers of I.N.A was then
in a great tension, there was no supply of food, weapons for
the soldiers fighting in battlefields. Without weapon, a
soldier cannot live but without food is there any one who can
live? Though the Naga people were doing everything
possible for them to continue the food supply for the armies,
but it was much less than requirement. But the soldiers of
I.N.A fighting for the pride of motherland had no complain
for want of food or arms or armaments. They were fighting
without food. But it was impossible to live without food, at
last they decided to eat the forest grass available there.
Today it might be beyond the imagination of people or army
men of any country but I.N.A made it possible that time.
Capitalizing the forest grass and water from waterfalls, they
continued their fight.

An army member of Indian National Army named B.J.S.

Garewal betrayed his brigade and joined the British with
some very important documents including maps of the areas
where army members were staying. In rank he was Major
Commander of Gandhi Brigade, Another army member Major
Probhudoyal also followed him. The result brought great
disaster for the I.N.A member. Before getting the documents
and maps, the British fighter planes were bombing
depending on assumptions but now they got the accurate
location of staying of I.N.A troops. They also came to know
that the I.N.A members were suffering from a great problem
of inadequate food supply.

The British officers took a new idea, they started

distributing papers appealing the army members to
surrender and taking various reward. On the paper the
signature of both Garewel and probhudoyal was there so
that the members of Indian army trust them. In addition to
that they started announcing on mike the story of Garewel
and Probhudoyal to break the spirit of the army members
and to bring them in their army. But the plan of British
officers was in Vail, no one was ready to leave his army.
They started immediate reply to the announcement of the
clever British with fire. It was much more honor for them to
carry on their fight in such an adverse condition than to join
the British army.

In the battlefield, each of the army man of I.N.A was

working like a machine. They used carry foods and other
requirement of war from the bottom of the hill to the top
daily. The hill was a vertical one having a height of 6000-
7000 fit. They need to walk at least 16 miles daily with
heavy belongings. Food supply was not regular there.
Sometimes only rice and salt while sometimes nothing. In
such a bitter condition, they carried on their war.

Abid Hasan was took the responsibly of Major

commander Garewal. In later days he showed a remarkable
way of fight under such a intolerable conditions which may
be followed by any army person of any country. Netaji
Subhas awarded him later on with ‘Sorder-i-Jang’ award.
The Great Spirit and unity of I.N.A members bound the
British army officers to take a new plan. They understood
through they had all the advantages for winning the war but
at the same time the Azad-Hind-fouz was not trained to
accept loss. Instead of accepting loss in the war, they would
prefer to accept death. The only way to win the war for the
British army was to go in a face-to-face war. They might be
in great numbers and with abundant supply of arms ad food
but they were afraid of the spirit and zeal of the patriotic
Indian national army.

However, at that time the thing, which was most

undesired from I.N.A side, was the rainy season. It is said
that problem never comes alone. Here it was again proved.
The rainy season started here two months earlier than
average. I.N.A soldiers were affected by lack of food supply,
developed arms and armaments but they overcome all the
problem with their unbreakable spirit and great patriotism.
But now they were helpless. Their food supply problem
increased in a great way. Their arms and armaments were in
not usable condition due to the rain. The heavy raining had
been continuing for weeks.

Under such a numbers of great problems where living is

almost impossible members of I.N.A did not retreat. They
continued their fight. The senior officers were in a great
tension. They understood in such a condition fight was not
possible to continued for a long time. They ordered the
army men to left the places. But the army men was ready
to give their life but not want to leave a single inch of
place they captured to the allied forces.
‘Our orders are to reach Delhi. That is what our
sepahsalar Netaji told us. He has warned us not to
retreat under any circumstances”.

In m ilit ar y, a rm y m en a re bo un d t o fo llo w th eir sen io r ’s

instr uct io ns. ’ wh en t hey rec ei ve d t he or de r ‘ Re tr ea t’ , t he re wa s
ge ne ra l com mo tio n. It l oo ke d a s i f th er e w ou ld b e mut in y, be ca use
ev ery o ne of t he m re fus ed to ob ey th e or de r.”

At l ast, th e ar my m en w er e r ea dy t o le av e t he p la ces ca ptu re d

af te r se ei ng t he i ns truc ti on pa pe r s ig ne d by t he ir l ea de r t he g re at
Su bh as . Tod ay In dia m ay ha ve a m ore po we rf ul an d de ve lo p a rm y
fo rce bu t i n m en ta l po we r a nd p at ri ot is m, th e I. N. A wa s t he f at her of
th e pr ese nt I nd ian a rm y. B efo re ge tt in g th e or der fr om Ne ta ji Su bh as ,
th ey w er e t o dis ob ey th e or der of t he se ni or of fi cers . They su gg este d
th at si nc e t ha t n ee de d to sacr if ic e m ore th an 27 00 0 me n th ey al so
lik ed to acc ep t t he d ea th on t ha t sam e pl ac e b ut sh ou ld n ot g iv e u p
th ei r f igh t un de r a ny c irc ums ta nces. Th e s en io rs o ffic ers a pp rov ed i t,
bu t see in g th e con di tio n o f th e ca ptu re d ar eas an d I. N. A m em be rs
on e Ja pa nese of fice rs re qu est ed Su bh as to g iv e a s tric t o rd er t o
br in g th e I .N .A me mb er fr om suc h a n un cer ta in an d da ng er ous
co nd it io n.
I. N. A ar mi es st art ed le av in g th e p lac es ca pt ure d b y t he m. B ut
suc h re tr eat wa s m ad e in a h on or ab le w ay . C ol. S .A Ma llick di d no t
all ow t he n at io na l F la g to be d ish on ore d by en emy . B ef or e r etr ea t t he
Fl ag w as p ulle d do wn w it h cer em ony an d kep t w ith a ll ho no r/.

It m ig ht b e th ei r l ast wi sh to l ea ve In di a in such a wa y b ut
si tu at io n bo un d t he m to d o it . Th ey l eft th eir mo th er la nd ; a ll o f t he m
we re in t ea rs. It wa s s ee me d t ha t th e sky was ex press in g h is s orro w
se ei ng th e so ns l ea vi ng th eir mo th er . The r etr ea t wa s m ad e in a very
da ng er ous wa ys. N eit he r t he ha d fo od n or th ey h ad m ed ici nes fo r
th em . Nu mb er of a rmy me mbe r d ie d on t he ir wa y i n w an t o f fo od a nd
me dic in e. Th e c on di ti on w as such da ng er ous th at p eo pl e st art ed
ea ti ng w ha t th ey f ou nd i n t he ir wa ys, m eat of d ied h ors es, f or est
gr ass. The a rmy me n we re su ffe ri ng fr om var io us typ e o f di se ase lik e
ma lar ia , t yp ho id . I t mig ht b e t he m os t u nc ert ai n w ay of r etr ea t th at
ca nn ot b e fo un d an yw her e i n th e wo rl d hi st ory . Th ey o verc om e m ore
th an 2 00 0 m iles of wa y u nd er suc h a da ng er ous an d liv e t ak in g
co nd it io ns .

All th at wa s p oss ib le b eca use of t he ir lov e f or c ou ntr y, du ti es

an d th ei r g re at lea de r S ub ha s. Aft er r et ur ni ng Mim eo , th e wo un de d
an d ill ar my m en w er e t ak en t o ho sp it al . Re sp ons ib il ities of n urs in g
th e ar mi es w er e g ive n t o t he w om en o f Ra ni J ha nsi r eg im en t. Th e
res po nsi bi lit y w as pe rf orm ed in a g re at wa y. On e o f th em n am ed B ela
du tt a w as pe rf orm in g th e wo rk o f n urs in g in u nb eliev ab le w ay . S he
he rse lf wa s n urs in g 8 5 ar my b ro th ers. La te r s he was pr om ot ed by
Ne ta ji Su bh as to t he ‘Nay ek’ p ost . The ar my m en we re com e in
ar ou nd in a v ery f ast er w ay , pr ese nce o f Ne ta ji, n urs in g o f Bel a Du tt a
an d ot he r g ir ls ma de i t po ssi bl e.

Su ccess an d t he f ail ur e a re th e tw o pa rt o f lif e. No ne o f t he m

is pe rm an en t. Th e f ailu re of I. N. A d id n ot b re ak t he sp ir it of i ts lea de r
an d th e a rm y m en . A n um be r o f me et ing s we re he ld fo r a scert ai nin g
th e re aso ns of f ai lur e. In t ha t w ar , t he y w er e t ot al ly d ep en di ng o n
Ja pa nes e fo r t he s up ply of m ed ici nes an d fo od . In t he m ee ti ng t he
of fi cers of I .N .A d ec id ed to s ho ul de r th e res po nsi bi lity . A su pp ly
de pa rt me nt wa s f or me d u nd er th e l ead ers hi p of Shr ee Po ro ma no nd a.
Ma jor Ge ner al C ha tt erj ee w as sel ec te d f or l ead ing t he fo re ig n af fa irs
de pa rt me nt . A ne w wa r c ou nci l wa s fo rm ed w it h 12 o ffic ers v iz
Ge ner al B ho sl e, Ge ner al C ha tt er je e, Ge ner al M .Z . K iya ni , C ol. Ajij
Ah med , C ol. Is ha n K adh ir , Co l. H ab ibu r R ah ma n, C ol . Gu lj ar a s in gh ,
Sh re e P oro ma no nd a, N. R ag hb on , C ol. I .J. Kiy an i, Sha hn aw az K han
an d of f c ours e N et aj i S ub ha s h ims el f.

Th e p re par at io n fo r w ar star te d a ga in. Th ro ug h d ue t o r ai n th ey

re tre at ed bu t t he y d ec id ed to g iv e t he B ri tis h a fig ht ag ain . Un de r
Ne ta ji’s i nstr uct io n t he t ra in in g ca mp we re ex te nd ed. Peo pl e fr om
var io us s ta tes w er e c om in g to p ar tic ip at e in t he w ar . S oon th e to ta l
nu mb er of a rm ie s r eac he d 5 00 00 . 2 nd di vi si on wa s s tar te d i n th e
me an t ime , no w u nd er Co l. G. R. N ag ar lea de rsh ip th e 3 rd d iv is io n
wa s a ls o f or me d. Till t he e nd o f r ai n it w as de ci de d t ha t th e h ea d
qu ar ters of I. N. A w ou ld b e in Bu rm a. Th e v ari ou s a rmy re gi me nt w er e
st ayi ng in v ari ou s p ar ts of B urm a(My nm ar) . S ub ha s B ri ga de -B ud ali n,
Ga nd hi br ig ad e-M and al oy , Ajad B ri ga de -C ha ng na o, Bas e ho sp it al -
Ma mio a nd m an ioa ya .
 On 21 st Se pt em be r M artyr day wa s c el eb rat ed in Ra ng oo n. Th e
sp eak ers i n th e th ei r s pe ech descr ib e th e var io us s el fl ess s tor ie s o f
In di an r evo lu ti on ar ie s l ike Bh ag at S ing h, S hu kd eb , R ajg ur u, J ot in dr a
Mo ha n Sen gu pt a, Bin oy-B ado l- Di ne sh , M as ter da Su rya Sen ,
Ch an dr ash ekh ar Aza d a nd t he o th ers wh o g av e e very th in g f or th e
pr id e of th eir mo th er . S ome o f th em a ls o t ol d th e st ori es o f In di an
wo ma n rev ol ut io na ri es lik e P ri til ot a Wadd er , S ha nt i-su ni ti , U jjol a
Mo jum dh ar , Bin a Das . The st ory o f th e gr ea t h un ge r st rik e o f Jat in
Da s w as a lso to ld t o th e a ud ien ce . Th e stor ie s o f se lf le ss s acri fi ces
en co ura ge d t he au die nc e i n a gr ea t w ay , i t w as s ee me d t ha t th e
fo rg et to br ea th . Ther e w as pin dr op si lenc e . At l as t N et aj i S ub ha s
Ch an dr a B os e c am e i n st ag e. In h is sp eec h he m ade a his tor ica l
ap pe al t o th e au di en ce .
‘Give me blood and I shall give you freedom’

There was a great response of the appeal. It seemed that the

people got the massage from their God. They were ready to give their
blood, their soul to their Netaji. “ We a re re ady-w e sh al l gi ve ou r b loo d-
ta ke i t n ow .”
Ne ta ji Su bh as wa rn ed th em r ep ea te dl y th at t he re mig ht be a
gr ea t d an ge r w ai tin g fo r t he m, so th ey sho ul d ta ke t he d ec isi on a ft er
co nsi der in g all t he p ros pects . B ut w ho w ou ld h ea r h is w ar ni ngs ?
Th ey w er e r ea dy t o g o ba tt lef ie ld. At last Sub ha s to ld hi m t ha t t he y
sh ou ld si gn t he co ntr act pa pe r w it h th ei r b loo d si nce it w as no t a
si mp le p ap er wh ich is to b e s ig he d in i nks. P eop le c om in g to t he
st ag e l ik e t he u ns to pp ab le flo w of ri ver to s ig n t he p ap er wi th t he ir
blo od ..

On 18 th D ec em ber th er e w as t re me nd ou s f ig ht er pl ain a tt ack o n

th e Ma mio t ow n. Th er e w as n o do ub t th at Ne ta ji an d th e I. N. A we re
th e ma in t ar ge ts b ut f ort un at el y, th e op er at io n w as un succ essfu l. Th e
ar ea in w hic h w e ha d g at he re d t he p rev io us e ve ni ng w as r ai se d t o
th e gr ou nd bu t t he re wa s n ot a si ng le c aus al it y. Th e cam p of Ra ni
Jh ans i r eg im en t wa s r ed uce d to a m ass of ru bb le .

Fro m 18 th Oct ob er ‘ Nat ion al G over nm en t f or ma ti on w ee k’ wa s

ce le br ate d i n R an go on o n t he f irst a nn ivers ary o f t he f or ma ti on o f
I. N. A Gov ern me nt . Tho usa nds of p eo pl e wa s g at he re d i n
Min go lad on e t o ce le br at e th e pr ogr am . The o ffic ers o f t he I .N .A
incl ud ing N et aj i S ub ha s a nd t he of fice rs of I nd ia n In de pe nd en ce
Le ag ue w er e a ls o t he re . f ou r t ho usa nd I. N. A vo lu nt ar ies we re
ma rch in g. S ud de nly t he a llie d fi gh te r p lain at ta cke d t ha t p lac e. They
ca me very ne ar to th e pa ra de ar ea . The dif fer enc e w as ha rd ly 5 0 to
70 y ards. But ne ith er th e ma rch in g o f I. N. A vo lu nt ar ies st op pe d n or
th ei r s upr em e Su bh as Bo se mo ve d f ro hi s p lac e fo r a s in gl e mo men t.
Th ey w er e r ea dy t o g ive th ei r l ive bu t no t re ady t o dis ob ey th e
disci pli ne . Ev en on e of t he m was ki lle d du e to th at a tt ack t he m arc h
wa s ca rri ed on .

Th e t ra in in g pe ri od o f th e I .N .A vol un ta ri es w er e g oin g in a
lig ht en ing sp ee d. Th e o ffic ers o f I. N. A we re bu sy i n co ll ec ti on o f
fu nd s fo r t he ir m en . Ne ta ji Su bh as also wa s b usy i n i t. t he p eo pl e of
so ut h ea st As ia h elp ed t he m in a g re at wa y. Peo pl e wh o we re no t
ab le t o pa rt ic ip at e i n th e wa r g ivi ng ev eryt hi ng , w hic h th ey ha d. Fr om
Su mat ra 10 l ak hs d ol lars , f ro m M ala ysi a n ea r 9 0 th ous an d d olla r w as
co ll ec te d.

Th ere wa s g re at sorr ow wa it ing f or th e I .N .A vol un ta ri es.

Ra sh bi ha ri Bose th e gr ea t f re ed om fi gh te r t he f at he r o f I .N .A
mo ve me nt wa s s uf feri ng f ro m i llne ss f or q uit e a lo ng t ime l ef t th e
wo rl d on 21 st Ja nu ary , 19 45 . In In dia n fr ee do m m ov em en t, his
co ntr ib ut io n ca n ne ver be e xpr esse d i n a fe w lin es . In t he w or ds o f
Th aki n Nu e( My an mar ’s n ex t p ri me m ini st er)
“If N et aj i c am e o ut i n th e lig ht as Gar ib ald i of t he m ov em en t,
Ra sh bi ha ri ’s pa rt in th e d ra ma w as m ore th an th at o f a M azzi ne .”

On 23 rd Ne ta ji Su bh as ’s b irt hd ay w as c el eb ra te d w it h gr ea t
en th us ias m i n R an go on . P eop le d ec id ed t o gif t N et aji w ith g ol d
eq ua l to h is we igh t. L ATE R ON M OR E TH AN D OU BL E, TH AT
QU AN TIT Y W AS C OL LE CT ED . O n 4 th F ebr ua ry ‘mili ta ry d ay ’ day
wa s ce le br at ed in R an go on . Th e f ou r a rmy pe rso n A. C Ch at te rj ee ,
Von sl e, Ki ya ni a nd L og an at ha n w as pr om ot ed ma jor ge ne ra l. I n
ad dit io n to t ha t A. C. Ch at te rj ee wa s a ls o s el ect ed as fo re ig n m inis ter
of t he pr ovi si on al G over nm en t o f I. N. A. Sha hn aw az k ha n, Gukz ara
si ng h, Ha bib ur Ra hm an , Az iz Ahm ad , G. R. N ag ar , S. A Alaga pp an wa s
pr om ot ed to t he po st of C ol.

On 6 th Fe bru ary i n a pr og ra m o rg an iz ed i n B an gk ok p eo ple

co ll ec te d a gr ea t a mou nt an d lat er ha nd ed ov er t o Ne ta ji to t he I. N. A
fu nd Ja go tra m Ch un ila l, C ho ra nj it R oy Na ru la , Mu lam ol Ama rn at h
an d ot he r b usi ne ssm en of B an gk ok g ave all w ha t th ey ha d.

Le ts g o ba ck t o t he b at tl ef ield . N ow i t wa s t he t ur n o f 2 nd
divi si on to t ak e ac ti ve pa rt i n t he b at tl e. C ol . Az iz Ahm ad w as th e in
cj ar ge o f th e 2 nd d iv is io n. Th ei r t ar ge t w as t o ca pt ure th e v ari ou s
ar eas of My an ma r. Th e I nt ell ige nc e g ro up an d th e B aha du r Gr ou p
wa s p er for mi ng t he ir ro le e ffic ie nt ly .

Th e p ro bl em w as wi th t he u nf ai th fu l pe op le wh o be tr ay i n th e
ba tt le fie ld . No w it w as de ci de d t o give sp ir it ua l tr ai ni ng t o th e a rm y
me n als o. C omm an de rs w er e t o c ert if y as to t he ‘s pir it ua l fi tn ess ’ of
th ei r m en be fo re t ak in g th em i nt o an o pe ra ti on al a re a. Ev ery s ol di er
wo uld be g ive n t he ch anc e o f s tay in g b eh ind i f he d id no t t hin k
him se lf fit , an d hi s d oin g so w ou ld no t a ffec t h is mili ta ry
pr osp ect ive .

In t he mea n t ime t he w ar po si ti on t ook a gr ea t t ur n. The a re as

wh ic h w as ca pt ure d by I. N. A, n ow w as u nd er th e Ang lo-A mer ica n
ar mi es . They crosse d t he b or der an d co mi ng to wa rds th e I. N. A. In
th is wa r t he m os t i mpo rt ant ro le p laye d b y t he c lev er Amer ic an ar my
wh o su pp osed to b ec om e t he succ essiv e o f th e B rit is h e mp ire .

In t he air th er e w as a ll a bo ut Amer ica n w ar cra fts. Th e

co nt in uo us w as go in g on f ro m t he Amer ic an ai rcra ft ov er t he ar eas
ca pt ure d by I. N. A. a ga in i n E ur op e t he re wa s n o mo re go od n ew s f or
th e I. N. A. It aly w as alr ea dy l oo se d, Ger ma ny w as a lso fo llo win g
th em . In Asi a, co nd it ion of J ap an wa s a ls o n ot go od . Th e c on ti nu ous
incr ease in th e a rm ies o f all ied f orc es mad e t he m ab ou t to l oo se . I n
th at si tu at io n, I w as a lmo st imp oss ib le f or J ap an to c ont in ue t he l on g
su pp ly l ine f or th e I. N. A vo lu nt ar ies an d Ja pa nese ar my m en. All t he
ba d ne ws t ha t co ul d e as il y b re ak a ny on e’ s sp ir it no t ab le t o br eak
th e spi ri t of I. N. A. They we re co nt in ui ng t he ir fig ht . B ehi nd t he ir
un br eak ab le sp ir it wa s t he ir d ee p b elie ve o n th eir ca pa bi lit ie s,
res pec t fo r t he ir l ea de rs a nd t he m os t i mpo rt ant lov e f or t he ir
mo th er la nd .

In t he mea n t ime ,2 nd di vi si on wa s r ea dy f or th ei r j our ney to

Po pp a hill a re a. Co l. Aziz a hm ad wa s i n ch arg e o f th at div isi on .
Be fo re th ey sta rt t he ir j ou rn ey , o ne d ay t he b om ba rd in g of a llie d ai r
fo rces s eri ou sly inju re d h im. On th e in str uct io n o f Ne ta ji Sub has ,
Sh ah na wa z k ha n t ook th e res po nsi bi lit y o f th e d ivis io n.

Du ri ng t ha t t ime t he bo mba rd in g o f Ame ri ca n a ir f orces wa s

co mm on fo r t he p eo pl e of B ur ma . Loc al p eo ple , t em ple s a nd o th er
re li gio us pl ac es, ho sp it al s, sc ho ols , c ol le ge s, pa rk n ot hi ng r em ai n
th er e w hi ch co ul d n ot s uf fer fr om bo mb ar di ng . It se em ed th e ke el in g
of i nn oc en t p eo pl e wa s t he o ne an d on ly a im o f th e Ame ri ca ns.

Th ere wa s a h os pi ta l in M ya ng ar ea . I t w as fo r t he I .N .A
pe rso ns w ho we re i nju re d i n th e wa r. Th e w or d H OS PI TAL w as
wr it te n i n t he bu ildi ng i n s uch a w ay th at co ul d be se en fr om th e
he igh t o f 12 00 0-1 30 00 f ee t. Re d Cr oss sy mb ol wa s a ls o t he re in th at
bu ild ing . It wa s t he da te o f 10 f eb ru ary ,19 45 , t ime w as ab ou t 2 ’3 0
pm . Su dd en ly t he bo mba rd in g s tar te d. It co nt in ue d f or a lon g. Th ey
co nt in ue d b om ba rd ed on t he h os pi ta l kn ow in g i t wa s a h os pi ta l an d
insi de i t th er e w as on ly ill an d he lp less pe op le . Ou t o f 6 00 i nju re d
I. N. A men , 2 00 w er e p ass ed aw ay i n t hi s a tt ack.

No w, t he c on di ti on o f b at tle fi eld s be co mi ng m or e c om pl ex da y
af te r d ay . The all ied f orc es a lr ea dy c ap tur ed Ma lady a. Th ey w er e
pr ogr essi ng i n a go od sp ee d i n s out h t ar ge ti ng t he Er ab ot i Riv er . At
th at m om en t th e m ost i mpo rt an t jo b of I .N .A m emb ers wa s to p ro tec t
th e Mckt ill a, w ho se imp or ta nce f ro m wa r p oi nt o f vi ew wa s ve ry
cruc ia l. I t w as on e of th e ca pi ta l ar ea of r oa d t ra nspo rt a nd r ai lway .
if t he a llie d fo rces t ak e t he co ntr ol o f t ha t plac e i t w ou ld b e a re al
da ng er fo r t he I. N. A m em be rs.
On in str uct io n o f Div isi on al c om ma nd er Sh ah an aw az Kh an ,
ma jor Dh illo n al on g wit h hi s 1 20 0 cre di ts o f Ne hr u b ri ga de we nt t he re
to p rev ent th e pr ogr ess o f a llie d fo rces th er e. I t wa s a lmos t
imp oss ib le t o p ro tec t a n ar ea of 12 m iles wi th o nly 1 20 0 ar my m en
wh o we re al so no t eq ui pp ed w ith r eq ui re d ar ms an d a rm am en ts . B ut
th ey w er e n ot r ea dy t o gi ve up , wh at ever mig ht b e th e r esu lt t hey
wo uld f ig ht t ill t he ir l as t b re at h. It wa s d ec id ed th at w it h 7 th ba tt al ion
La t. Ha ri ra m wo ul d pr oce ed to wa rd Nw an gu a nd La t. C ha nd ra bh an
wit h h is 9 th b at ta lio n cover th e ar ea of N ik pa ga n. And t he 8 th
ba tt al ion w ou ld w ait n ea r t he ri ver as res erve.

Th e w ar wa s a lmo st o ne s id ed fr om t he po int o f v ie w of ar ms
an d ar ma me nts . Agains t b ig an d m ore de str ucti ve ta nks, I. N. A
me mbe rs we re f ig ht in g wit h lig ht m ac hi ne gu ns . Ther e w as
co nt in uo us f ir in g fr om bo th t he s id es, esp eci all y i n th e ar ea of N ik
pa ga n. L t. Ch an dr ab ha n w ith h is fe w cr ed it s w er e f ig ht ing i n a gr ea t
wa y. Lt . Ch an dr ab ha n h ad so me th in g in hi s m ind . He wa s w ait in g fo r
th e al lied fo rces to co me i n th e ta rg et o f th eir lig ht m ac hi ne gu ns .
Wh en ever th e a llie d fo rces ca me ne ar th e r iv er h e or der ed me n to
ch arg e t he m ac hi ne gu ns , as a res ul t t he a llie d fo rces s uf fer ed a
gr ea t l os e t he ir i n sp it e o f ha vi ng gr ea ter men po we r, d ev el op ar ms
an d ar ma me nt an d fo od s up pl y. Th e f am ou s r eg im en t o f Eng la nd ,
ea st l ank arsh ay a ls o s uf fer ed i n t he h an ds o f I. N. A mem be rs t he re .
On 12 F ebr uar y, ni gh t wh en t he a lli ed f orc es t ri ed to o verc om e t he
ri ver , C ha nd ra bh an an d hi s m en a tt ack ed t he m an d at a r esu lt ,
hu nd re ds o f a llie d ar my m en we re di ed . Th e g re at Ch an dr ab ha n
pe rf orm his du ti es acco rd in g t o hi s w or d.

On 18 t h F eb ru ary , Ne ta ji Sub ha s h im se lf v isi te d p ain ma na t o

insp ir e t he a rmy me n th er e. On 20 th h e wa nt to i ndo gn ow w it h Ma jor
Sh ah na wa z k ha n.

At t ha t ti me t he re ca me a wo rst ne ws f ro m b at tle f ie ld. Th e

all ied f orc es ca pt ure d t he n wa ng u a re a i n s pi te of g re at fi gh t of
Ch an dr ab ha n a nd h is me n. The re aso n b eh ind t ha t w as th e
co nsp iracy of L t. Ha ri ra m. He r eac he d t he a lli ed a rm y ca mp w it h
imp or ta nt doc um en t o f I. N. A an d as a res ul t t he y ca me t o k no w t he
pla ns a nd p os it io n of I .N .A m emb ers. At a la st ma jor G. S D hil lon a nd
his m en w er e b ind t o tak e b ack ste p.

He ar in g th e n ew s o f be tr ayal a nd i ts res ul t, Ne ta ji Sub has wa s

gr ea tly sh ocke d. H e ga ve ev ery o pp or tu ni ty t o t he p eo ple w ho ca nn ot
af fo rd th e p ro bl em s o f ba tt le fie ld t o tak e b ack ste p. He d ec la re d,
“Ev ery m emb er of th e I. N. A of fic ers, N .C .O . o r se poy wil l i n fu tu re be
en ti tle d to ar rest an y o th er me mb er of t he I .N .A , n o ma tt er wh at his
ra nk m ay be , i f h e be hav es i n a co war dl y m an ne r, or to s ho ot hi m i f
he a cts i n a tr eac her ous ma nn er ”.

He ar in g th e m ews o f Lt . H ar ila l’s be tr aya l, ma jor G. S. Dh illo n

wa s a t t he s am e t ime sh ocke d a nd a sh am ed . h e to ok th e o at h th at
ti ll t he las t dr op of b loo d exi st in h is bo dy he w ou ld f igh t. He k ep t h is
wo rds in a g re at wa y.
 On 12 th M arc h, Ne ta ji Su bh as co ngr at ul at in g hi m i n his l att er
sa id ,

Ma jor G. S. Dh illo n,
Ja i h ind , Ra ng oo n
12 m arc h, 19 45

I hav e b ee n fo llo win g th e w ork of y our Re gi men t a nd o f

yo urse lf wit h t he w ork of yo ur r eg ime nt a nd o f you rsel f wi th c los est
int er est a nd I w an t t o co ngr at ul at e y ou on t he man ne r i n wh ich y ou
ha ve sto od up t o fac e b rav el y th e si tu at io n th at is d if ficu lt . I wa nt t o
ex press m y c om pl et e co nf id enc e i n yo u a nd i n a ll th ose wh o ar e
st an di ng by yo u i n th e pr es4 ent cri sis .
Wh at ever ha pp ens to u s i nd ivi du al ly i n th e cou rse o f th is
hist ori c st ru gg le , th er e i s n o po we r o n ea rt h th at c an kee p I nd ian
en sl ave d a ny lo ng er . Wh et her we l iv e a nd w ork , or wh et he r w e d ie
fi gh tin g , w e must un de r a ll ci rcu mst anc es , ha ve com pl et e
co nf id enc e t ha t t he c aus e f or wh ich we ar e s tri vi ng is b ou nd to
tr iu mp h . I t is th e fi ng er of G od th at is p oi nt ing t he wa y t ow ar ds
In di a’s fr ee do m. We hav e o nly to do o ur du ty an d t o pa y t he pr ic e o f
In di a’s lib er ty .
Our he ar td ar e w it h yo u a nd w it h all w ho ar e w it h y ou in t he
pr ese nt stru gg le , wh ic h i s p av in g th e w ay to o ur na ti on al sa lva ti on .
Ple as e c onvey my wa rm est gr ee ti ng s to a ll of fice rs an d me n un de r
yo u a nd acc ep t s am e y ours el f. Ma y G od bl ess yo u an d cro wn yo ur
ef fo rts wit h s uccess.

Ja i Hin d
Su ba sh Ch an dr a B os e

Fr om 15 t o 17 t h M arch Ma jor Dh illo n a nd h is m en s ho we d th e

fi gh tin g ab ility in th e b at tle fi eld w hi ch wa s l at er ap pr eci at ed by th e
all ied o ffic ers a ls o. Th ere wa s n o co mm un ic at io n syst em , n o re gu la r
fo od su pp ly , n o ne ed ed a rms an d ar ma me nt s, b ut t he y fo ug ht a nd t he
all ied f orc es ha vi ng a ll th e a dv an ta ges wa s no t ab le to pr oce ed an y
mo re .

On 20 th M arc h M ajo r G .S se nt hi s r ep ly i n w hich he s ta te d ;

 Be lov ed Ne ta ji,
Ja i H ind , Bu rm a
20 M arc h, 19 45
th

I hav e r ece iv ed you r l at te 5r of 12 th M arc h , 1 94 5. No t wo rds ,

on ly te ars co ul d e xpr ess m y f ee lin gs .
I th in k y ou w ith a ll my he ar t f or exp ress in g y our com pl et e
co nf id enc e i n m e an d i n t ho se w ho a re wit h me .
I assur e y ou , o ur Ne ta ji, o n b eh alf o f t he R eg ime nt t ha t i t d oes
no t ma tt er wh at may c om e o ut o ur wa y, we w ill co nt in ue th e str ug gl e
acc ord in g t o yo ur i de als an d wi sh es t o e ar n o ur m ot he rl an d’ s
Fre ed om as lon g as a s tru gg le so ld ier of th is r eg im en t i s al ive .
As f or mys el f , m y l ast w or ds t o yo u a t R an go on , “ M ain a ap k i
an kh en kis i k e s am ne nic hi na h on e du ng i”, h av e b ee n ri ng in g in my
ea rs e ver si nce I l eft yo u, an d sp eci al ly so af te r I ca me ba ck f ro m
Ny au ng u. I f ull y r ea li ze th at i n sp it e o f re aso ns w hi ch ma y b e
pr od uce d , I ha ve no t o nly fa ile d mo d o wh at I vo lu nt ar il y p ro mi se d,
bu t hav e b ee n th e on ly Re gim en t co mm an der to b ri ng h um ilia ti on t o
yo u a nd to th e Az ad Hin d Fo uz. I h av e n o fac e t o pr om is e a ga in ,
on ly my ac ti ons will d o so .
Your l att er ha s pu tt ed a n ew sp ir it i nt o us .
All th e o ffic ers a nd m en p res en t h er e a nd I hu mbl y a nd w ith
wa rm est he ar ts h ave acc ep te d yo ur g re et in gs . W e ar e c on fi de nt th at
wit h G od ’s gr ace a nd y ou be lon gi ng s i t will n ot d if fic ul t t o ach ie ve
success .
We al l p ray fo r yo ur l ong l ife a nd h ea lt h to g ui de u s t hr ou gh
th is ho ly wa r.
Ja i H ind
Your E xc el le ncy ’s o be die nt ly
G. S. Dh illo n

Co l. P .S . Sah ga l wa s t he n i n p op pa h ill wh ic h h ad a g re at
imp ot en ce a t th at t im e fr om th e po int of v ie w o f wa r c on di ti on . Fro m
th at p la ce , t he I. N. A m em be rs m ain ta ine d t he ir w at er su pp ly o a t ot al
ar ea of 2 0 m iles .
On 18 m arc h, accor di ng t o th e i nstr ucti on s en t to h im, h e
at tack ed Pip e bin a nd de str oye d t he ca mp s of a llie d fo rces
th er e. aft er t ha t he w it h his m en re tur ne d t o P opp a hi ll.
 On 20 th M arc h , h e r ece iv ed an ot he r o rd er t o c ap tur e t he p ip e
bin ar ea so th at Ja pa nes e a rmy co me to a n ad va nta ge ous po si ti on i n
th ei r w ar w it h al lied f orces .
On 21 st Ma rch , h e star te d f or pip e b in , wi th N o. 1 ba tt al ion .
Af te r a w ar of 2 ho ur he w as to ta lly wi th in th e c ap tur e o f al lied ar my ,
th er e w as t re me nd ou s wa r b et we en t he I .N .A a nd a llie d ar my m en .
On e a ft er o ne a t ot al o f 14 b ul let s a tt acke d h is jip , bu t fo rt un ate ly no
on e ab le t o to uc h h im . At la st he c am e o ut fr om t he ra ng e o f all ied
fo rces w hic h w as o nc e s ee me d t o be i mposs ib le. But he h ad l ost a
nu mb er of i mpo rt an t d ocu me nt re la tin g to wa r, str at eg ic pa pe rs,
ma ps , w hi ch bo un d him t o l eft n ot on ly p ip e bin b ut po pp a hil l a ls o. If
th ey s tay ed th er e a nd co nt in ue d th ei r f igh t i t w ou ld b e a su ici de o nl y.
Th ey r et urn ed to L eg i.

Thr ou gh I. N. A m en w er e f ig ht ing w it h th ei r g re at est sp ir it an d

str en gt h bu t it w as kn ow n t o a ll t ha t w ith in a s hor t p er io d a llie d
fo rces w ou ld ca pt ure d R an go on . N et aji S ubh as w as th en d ec id ed to
se nt t he g irls of R an i Jh ans i Re gi men t w ith D eb na th Da s t o Ba ng kok .
Be ca use he w as i n g re at te nsi on r eg ard in g th e b eh av io r o f
un civ ili ze d a llie d fo rces i f t hey wo uld ev er a ble t o cap tur e t he g irls of
th e re gi me nt .

On 29 th a ccor di ng to t he i ns truc ti ons th e gi rl s u nd er th e

lea de rsh ip of De bn at h D as lef t R an go on . Th ere wa s a ll to ta l 15 0
gir ls u nd er th eir le ad er Lt . Miss P ro ti ma Pa ul. Th er e w as a lso
hu nd re d I .N .A m en t o pr ot ect th e g irl s un de r t he l ead ers hi p o f
Ca pt ai n Ra wo ya t.
Th ere wa s n o pr ob le m on f irs t d ay . The sec on d d ay w he n th ey
we re cross in g t he S ita ng r iver su dd en ly t he s ir en ra ng ou t. Th e a llie d
air craf t s tar te d b omb ar di ng ov er t he a re a. Th e p res enc e o f m ind o f
De bn at h Das sav ed th e m en an d w ome n fr om an y ca usa li ty , th ro ug h
th ey l oos ed ma ny of th eir be lon gi ng s i n i t.
No w th ey w er e t o go b y tr ai n. Ther e w as on ly on e ra il wa y
carr ia ge w as r eserv ed fo r t he m. S ome ho w th ey ma na ge d to s it in to
it . But pr ob le m ar is es b et we en th e gir ls a nd m en r eg ard in g en te ri ng
th e carr ia ge . Acc ord in g t o th e gi rl s s inc e t he m en w er e t o fi gh t in t he
fu tu re th ey s ho ul d e nt er firs t an d gir ls w ou ld pr ot ect t he m. B ut t he
me n we re no t ag re e w it h th em , to t he m, th ey ha d to pr ot ect th ei r
sis ters at a ny c ost , th ey ca nn ot l eav e t he m in f ro nt of a ny d an ge r. At
last , t he y we re bo un d by th ei r b elo ve d s ist ers t o e nt er firs t. H ow
co ul d t he y i gn or e t he a ffect io na te r eq ues t of t he ir s ist ers? Th e t ra in
st art ed m ovi ng . All w er e w ait in g fo r s om et hi ng , w hic h w as m os t
un de si re d at t ha t ti me i .e. th e at ta ck fr om a lli ed f orc es o n th at tr ai n.
It wa s n igh t t he n, b ec aus e co nsi de ri ng th e da ng er of a ir at ta ck f ro m
all ied f orc es th e tr ai n w as st art ed in t he n ig ht .
Su dd en ly c ol . R aw oa t wh o w as on t he r oo f of t he c arri ag e,
fo un d a r ed l igh t s ig na l ne ar th e tr ai n. Act ua ll y i t wa s t he s ig na l of
all ied f orc es th at w er e c om in g n ea re d t o th e tr ai n. Lt . Ra wa ot
ale rt ed t he m ale a nd f em ale cre di ts .
He c har ge d h is gu n an d so a s t he o th ers s it ti ng n ea r t he d oo r. He avy
fi ri ng s tar te d f ro m b ot h t he s id es. Aft er a wh ile w he n th e t ra in l ef t
th at ar ea , i t w as f ou nd h ab ild er st el a w as pa sse d a way an d ha bil de r
Miss J ose fi ne an d miss ko ml a w er e s eri ou sly wo un de d. The ne xt
mo rn in g ha bil de r J ose fi ne als o p asse d a wa y p er for mi ng h is du ties
to wa rds In di a’s f re ed om m ov em en t. To s ave th e l ife o f Miss Ko mla
he r l eft ha nd w as cut of f fr om he r b od y.

He re wa r c on ti nu ed in le gi ar ea . Fr om sky t he re w as co nt in ue
bo mb ar di ng , ta nks a lso p er fo rm in g t he w ork fo r w hi ch th ey we re
fo rm ed . The all ied g ro un d f orc es we re a ls o a tt acki ng t he I. N. A
me mbe rs. At f irs t t he y t ook ba ck st ep , w he n th e s it ua ti on w as ou t o f
co ntr ol , s eco nd Lt . k an wa l s in gh w it h his m en star te d h an d to h an d
fi gh t . as a r esu lt t he alli ed a rmy men to ok ba ck st ep th en . B ut al l
af fo rd was in va in , th e c on ti nu ou s at ta ck f ro m a ir , gr ou nd bo un d th e
ar my o ffic ers t o re tre at wi th t he ir m en . Acc ord in g to th e inst ruct io n,
all s tar te d f or p op pa a re a. on 1 0 th Apr il , th e di vi si on al h ea d of fi ce
ga ve in str uct io n t o th e of fi cers to move to M ag ui-m inb u-i anb uin gu i
ar ea si nce po pp a hil l a re a w as n ot a ll sa fe . t hey we re or der ed to
leav e t he p lace no t at o nce bu t divi ng i n a sm al l t ea ms b ec aus e
ot he r w ays t he y w ou ld e as il y c om e i n t he no tic e of a llie d air fo rces.

Th e I .N .A a rm y m en w er e l ea vi ng t he ar eas ca pt ure d b y t he m fo r
wh ic h t he y p ai d th e lif e of t he ir br ot hers , s ist ers, fa mi ly m en . Th e
si tu at io n of th e ba tt le fie ld w as very cruc ia l. Th er e w er e e ng o-m ark in
sp ies ev eryw her e; th ey h ad t o mo ve very c are fu lly .

No w, C ol. S ah ga l to ok a ne w dec is io n. In t he a dve rse s it ua ti on

, it w ou ld n ot b e wise to m ov e w ith a big t ea m. so he d ec id ed to
divi de d th e te am i n tw o gr ou p. Th e b ig t ea m wo uld b e mo ve un de r
his l ead ers hi p a nd t he s ma ll o ne w ou ld mo ve un de r C ap ta in B ag ch i’s
lea de rsh ip wit h 3 rd ba tt al ion .

Th e t wo t ea m to ok t wo s ep ara te ways . The da te w as 2 0 th Apr il .

Ca pt ai n Bag ch i w ith h is te am w as g oin g th ro ug h a o pe n f ield .
Su dd en ly t hey he ar d t he s ou nd of ta nks . It w as to o l ate t o m ak e
tr enc h o r n ei th er th ey ha d w ea po n to f ig ht w ith th e ir on m ad e cars .
Eit he r t he y ha d to s urre nd er o t o acce pt de at h. I t wa s m uc h m or e
pr est ig io us fo r t he m to acc ep t d ea th th an t o surr en der to th e
en em ies . Ca pt ain B ag ch i or der ed hi s m en t o co me fo rw ard an d
acc ept th e de at h of br ave . H e hi mse lf fi rst co me fo rw ard wit h h an d
Gra nd ees an d at tack ed on t he ta nks . In h is at ta ck a ta nk wa s
de str oye d bu t so on he l ef t th e w or ld . t he ot he r a rm y m en w er e a ls o
ca me do wn i n th is wa r o f br avery wit h h an d gr an de es a nd p et ro l
fi lled b ot tl es . On e a ft er on e al l f ol low ed t he ir l ea de r s ho wi ng th e res t
of t he wo rl d th e way liv in g wit h s el f-r esp ect a nd p at ri ot is m.

Th e w ar po si ti on w as to ta lly n ow i n f avor of a llie d fo rces b ut

th e I. N. A ar my m en w as f ig ht ing w it h sa me sp ir it as th e f irst d ay of
th ei r f igh t. Th e ag gr essiv e a llie d ar my w as i n t ou gh f ig ht i n var io us
sect ors o f Bu rm a ag ai ns t t he I .N .A m en .

Su dd en ly a no th er ba d n ew s c am e f or th e I. N. A me mbe rs. The

na ti on al ar my o f Bu rm a jo in th e a llie d fo rces be tr ayi ng th e Ja pa nese
ar my . They sta rte d k il ling t he Ja pa nes e a rmy me n ma ki ng t he wa r
mu ch mo re to ug h fo r t he I. N. A m en b ec aus e th ey ha d to f ig ht a lo ne
ag ains t t he a llie d fo rces. Bu t ne ith er th ey d ec la re d w ar ag ai ns t t he
I. N. A mem be rs n or th e I .N .A de cl are d w ar ag ain st t he m. B eca use
acc ord in g t o Pr esi de nt S ub ha s C ha nd ra Bo se , b ot h Jap an an d Bur ma
we re th ei r f ri en ds . I n t his w ar of J ap an an d Bu rm a a rm y I .N .A c ou ld
no t tak e a ny si de bu t to st ay n eu tr al .

A p ar t o f t he B ur me se Na ti on al Ar my rev ol te d a ga inst th e
Bu rm es e G over nm en t, f ou gh t ag ains t t he ir o wn tr oo ps, th e Jap an ese ,
an d ge ne ra ll y i ndu lg ed i n d aco it y. It m ay by m ent io ne d he re , t o th e
cre di t o f th e In di an N at io na l Arm y, t ha t w he rev er u nit s of t his Ar my
ca mp ed on t he ir wa y t o th e f igh ti ng f ro nts , or es ta bl is he d b as es, t he
vi lla ge s wo uld , if t he y h ad pr evi ou sly go ne i nto h id ing i n th e ju ng les ,
fo r f ea rs of d ec oi ts a nd o th er re tur n t o t he ir v il lag es, sec ure in t he
kn ow le dg e t ha t th ey w ill be p ro tec te d by th e In di an N at ion al Ar my .
 On 20 th Apri l 19 45 , Ge n. K imur a a dv ise d N et aji S ubh as
Ch an dr a B os e o f hi s i nte nsi on t o wi th dr aw fr om Ra ng oo n. B ut N et aji
fl at ly r ej ect ed th e id ea o f wi th dr aw al . In B ur ma th at t ime 60 00 , I. N. A
me n we re pr ese nt . N et aj i d eci de d to co nt in ue t he ir fig ht w it h th e
60 00 m en i f Ja pa n t ak es ba ck st ep .
Ne ta ji to ld h is i nt en si on to t he o ffic ers o f I .N .A to g iv e t he l as t
fi gh t he re . B ut t he o ffic ers w er e n ot ag re ed w it h hi m t o t he m si nc e
th 4e t hi rd Bat ta lio n w as int act in Ma lay w hy sh ou ld th f ig ht f or th e
last tim e he re ? I f n ee de d th ey wo ul d bu ild a n ew a rmy in Ba ng kok
an d co nti nu e th ei r f igh t fr om th ei r o r f ro m C hin a or fr om Ru ssi a a nd
all t he w ork wo ul d be u nd er th e le ad ers hi p of Ne ta ji S ub ha s C ha nd ra
Bo se . At l as t N et aj i a gr ee d w it h th em . It wa s a lso d ec id ed t ha t t he
gir ls o f Jh ans i R an i Re gim en t wo uld a ls o l eave Ra ng oo n, t he l oc al
gir ls w ou ld sen t t o th ei r f am ilie s v ery e as il y b ut th e gir ls a lso w ou ld
leav e t he t ow n.
Th e 6 00 0 I. N. A men st aye d i n Ra ng oo n to p ro tect th e loca l
pe op le f ro m th e d ac oi ts.
O n 2 4 th Apr il , ad va nce s al ary wa s pa id to t he lea gu e wo rkers
an d th ey w er e i nstr ucte d t o re tur n b ack h ome . B ut no on e is r ea dy to
leav e t he I .N .A i n s uch a b ad t ime . The y we re re ady to f ig ht a ga inst
an y e ne my ra th er t o l eav e I .N .A v aca nt. Th e o ffic ers o f I. N. A ca me
an d af te r a lon g di scuss io n t he y w er e r ea dy t o l eav e t he pla ce wi th a
pr om is e t hey wo uld b e cal led a ga in l ate r i n th e ho ly wa r a ga inst th e
Br it ish i mpe ri alism .

It wa s v ery b ad t im e fo r t he B ur me se G over nm en t. Thy ev en

did no t ha ve suf fi ci en t f un ds to pa y t he sa la ry o f th ei r a rm y. Wh ere
as th er e wa s s ti ll hu ge fu nd s i n th e ha nd s o f I .N .A , a su m o f fi ve
lakhs of r up ees we re do na te d t o th e Pr ovi si on al G over nm en t o f
Bu rm a.

On 24 th Apri l Ne ta ji lef t B urm a w ith th e gir ls o f Jh ans i R an i

re gi me nt a nd so me m ale I. N. A m em be rs. Th er e wa s a t ot al o f 16
cars ,4 z ip a nd 1 2 t rucks . The Ba ha du r g ro up un de r t he l ead ers hi p o f
Co l. R at ur i sta rte d t he ir j ou rn ey t o Ba ng kok on f oo t. Th e d ist ance ,
wh ic h t he y n ee de d to ov erco me , w as 30 0 mil es .
It wa s v ery d if fic ul t t o mo ve th at tim e fr om th e eyes of a llie d
aircr afts . At t he sa me tim e, t he a lli ed f orc es w er e a ls o c om in g
ne ar ed wit ha l th ei r a rm s a nd ar ma me nt s. At t ha t ti me, th e mo st
imp or ta nt du ty o f I. N. A me mbe rs w as t o sec ure Ne ta ji fr om th e cr ue l
ha nd s o f a llie d fo rces . Fo r t ha t i t w as u tm os t i mpo rt an t t o p ro tec t t he
Pe gu r oa ds f ro m t he a llie d fo rces.
Ma jor S. L M isr a c am e f or war d a nd t oo k t he res po nsi bi lity t o
st op t he a llie d fo rces u nt il Ne ta ji cross th e ar ea saf el y. Th ro ug h i t
wa s co nt in uo us bo mb ar di ng f ro m t he a lli ed a ir cr af t bu t th at d id n ot
ha rm th e I. N. A mem be rs e xcep t t he ir ve hi cl es. All ey es w er e t he n o n
Ma jor S. L. M isra an d hi s m en . If fo r a ny re aso n t hey fa ile d to s to p
th e al lied fo rces th er e, it w ou ld b e gr ea t t ro ub le f or t he r est . Aft er
ge tt in g th e si gn al t he cars we re mo vi ng . It wa s a ll ab ou t bo mb ar di ng ,
fi ri ng . In t he wo rds of S .A. Ayer , “Lif e a nd d ea th l os t a ll th eir
me an ing . We w er e a live a t th at m om en t bu t we we re no t sur e t ha t w e
wo uld be a liv e t he n ex t” .
At l ast N et aji S ubh as, Ge ner al C ha tt er je e, Ge ner al K iya ni , C ol.
Gu lza r S ing h, Co l. P ri ta m Sin gh , Co l. M alik , Co l. Ch op ra , M ajo r
Sw ami , S. A. Ayer , J ho n.A . Th ib i, C ol. Ra tu ri , Ma jor Abi d Ha sa n a nd
ot he rs o ffic ers l ef t th e a re a. Maj or S.L . M isra ha d to ld t ha t if r eq ui re d
he w ou ld g ive hi s l ife b ut w ou ld n ot a llo w th e al lied ar my to move
fu rt her in . He k ep t h is wo rds . At first he c on tact ed th e In di an o ffic er
of o pp on en t s id e an d a pp ea led h im no t t o cl ose th e ro ad . H e
re me mb er ed th e o fficer th at he w as al so an I nd ia n an d th er ef ore it
wa s h is du ty t o sa fe gu ard Ne ta ji an d hi s m en .
Wh en th e o fficer re fuse d h is p ro pos al he c ha ll en ge d th e of fi cer
to b ea t h im an d his m en. Th e p ro ud of fic er t ook th e ch al le ng e in
lau gh bu t his l aug h did no t last lon g. M ajo r S .L . Misr a an d his me n
sh ow ed hi m th e va lu e o f wo rds an d ti ll th e last car of I .N .A w en t in to
a saf e d ist ance , n ot e ve n a si ng le a llie d ar my w as ab le t o co me ne ar
th e ro ad .
 Pe rf or mi ng th eir du ty t ow ar ds m ot he rl an d an d th ei r l ead er , o ne
af te r o ne M aj er S .L .M is ra a nd h is m en a ccep t t he d ea th of b rav ery .

Th e r est of I. N. A a rmy me n we re mo vi ng u nd er th e l ead ers hi p

of N et aj i h ims el f. He w as ta ki ng car e o f hi s m en a s w el l a s
en co ura gi ng th em i n a g re at wa y. He t ook th e leas t r est am on g all o f
th em . Ne ta ji ha d very g oo d int rus io n c ap ab il ity w hic h s afe th e
Ba ha du r g ro up fr om t he ta nk fo rces.
On 26 th Apri l, i n th eir wa y ca me t he Ow a r iv er , th er e w as no
br id ge ov er i t. Jap an ese ge ne ra l Iso do re qu est ed Ne ta ji to ov erco me
it f irst, bu t he w as r ea dy r at her he g av e h is inst ruct io n th at th e gir l
sh ou ld ov erco me th e ri ver fi rst an d th e m ale a rmy men sh ou ld he lp
th e gi rl s. at las t a ll of th em o verc om e i t sa fe ly . An d af te r t he n ig ht
lon g t oil, th ey we re ab le t o br in g 6 t rucks ov er t he ri ve r.

In t he ne xt mo rn in g, a llie d a ircra fts bo mb ar de d o ver th e a re a

wh er e t he I .N .A m emb ers a nd N et aji w as st ayi ng . I n t his ai r a tt ack
th ey l oos ed th ei r 5 t rucks. In s pi te of a ll th os e d if fi cu lt ie s, at tack an d
ma jor loses Ne ta ji wa s st ill e nc our ag in g hi s p eo ple . I n th e ni gh t th ey
ag ain st art ed th ei r j our ne y. kee pi ng t he ca r un de r C ol. C ho pr a’ s
res po nsi bi lit y, N et aj i m ov e w it h Jh ans i R an i r eg im en t 1 0 mile s
to wa rds Sh ita ng ri ve r. B efo re da wn , t he y c am e o ver th e r iv er a lso.
Ne xt d ay , th e h ea vy b om ba rd in g co nt in ues an d du e to th at L t. Na jir
Ah mad p asse d a wa y . th ey w er e o nly a ble t o br ou gh t Ne ta ji’s car an d
a tr uck.

No w th ey w er e t o mo ve on f ee t. Th e r oa d w as all a bo ut m ud dy .
Ea ch an d ev ery p ers on o f I. N. A th er e w as carry in g h is o r h er ba g an d
ba gg ag es in cl ud in g Ne ta ji him se lf . O n t he ir w ay t he re we re alw ays
th e poss ib ilit y of g et a tt acke d f ro m t he a llie d ar mi es. Th e f ema le
me mbe rs we re car ryi ng mo re th an 1 5 k.g we igh t eac h.

On 28 th Apri l, t he y re ach ed a vi lla ge a nd t ook res t, in t he

ev en in g t he y a ga in s tar te d t he ir jou rn ey . Ne ta ji S ub ha s w as
re qu est ed a n umb er of t im e by Ja pa nese Ge ner al t o ge t i nto t he
tr uck. B ut h e re fus ed an d wa lk ed vo lu nt ar il y w it h his m en. At last on
1 st M ay , t he y r eac he d M ou lmin . The re by a t ra in t he g ir ls star te d f or
Ba ng kok . M ajo r G en era l C ha tt er je e an d Co l. M alik N et aji s tay ed in
Mo ulm in wa it ing f or th e B aha du r Gr ou p.
 M ajo r G en era l C ha tt er je e an d Co l. M alik r eac he d B angk ok w ith
th e gi rl s a t t he ti me, th er e w er e n o ca usa li ties on t he ir w ay .

In t he mea n t ime , th e scen ari o of w ar in E uro pe was als o n ot

go od f or th e I .N .A . The Ge rm an su pre me Adlo f H itl ar co mm itt ed
su ici de , Gar ma n s urre nd ere d. He re on 1 st Ma y, th e all ied f orc es
en te re d R an go on . t he r esi de nt ia l o f Ra ng oo n we lco me th em i n a
gr ea t w ay . I n th e w or ds o f De bn at h Das .” Wh en en em y t ro ops
ma rch ed th ro ug h s tre ets i n R an go on t hey he ar d s lo ga ns; ‘In qu ila b
Zi nd ab ad ’, ’ Aza d H ind Z in da ba d’ , ’Ne ta ji Zi nd ab ad ’ ec ho in g an d re-
ec ho in g e very wh ere ”
Th e I nd ian co l. Of alli ed f orc es w as g re at ly in su lt ed fr om i t. To
ta ke r eve ng e h e or der ed th at t he l oc al pe op le sh ou ld re pa ir th eir
to wn t he ms elv es. Th e o rd er w as fo r a ls o t he I. N. A m em be rs a ty in g
th er e, Ma jor Ge ner al Lo ga na th an w ho w as N et aji’ s r epr ese nt at ive in
Bu rm a pr ot este d a nd o rd ere d t ha t no t a s in gl e In dia n Na ti on al Ar my
wo uld go f or fa ti gu e du ty .
As a res ul t t he l oc al p eo ple wa s a lso n ot a gr ee to o be y th e
or ders . R ea liz in g t he a gg ress ive ness of l oca l p eo ple u nd er I. N. A
lea de rsh ip , t he co lo ne l w as r ep la ce d b y Co l. Th im ay a, wh o w as als o
lat er g ot t he h ig he st po st o f In dia n a rm y i n fr ee In di a.
On e d ay , C ol. Th ima ya w en t to I .N .A h ea dq ua rt er t o di scuss
wit h t he I .N .A o ffic ers r eg ar di ng th eir surr en der . The re h e met wit h
his b ro th er C o. t hi may a of I .N .A . t he p or t f ol io of bo th t he b ro th ers
we re sa me , t he d if fe re nce was th at o ne as fig ht in g fo r t he i nt er est of
th e em pe ror of a no th er cou ntry wh er e a s t he ot he r b ro th er w as
fi gh tin g fo r t he int er est o f his m oth er la nd .

Co l. Thi maya of I .N .A g av e t he co nd it ion , f ulf illm en t of wh ich

th ey o nly surr en de r. The co nd it io ns we re
a) Az ad Hin d Gove rn me nt is a co mp le te ly a le ga l
Gov ern me nt . Ther ef ore th ey sho ul d be p rov id ed wit h al l
th e fac ili tie s of wa r cr im ina l of a n in de pe nd en t
Gov ern me nt .
b) I. N. A ar mi es wo uld o nl y g o fo r su rre nd er u nd er Ma jor
Ge ner al L og an at ha n w he n an o ffic er o f al lied a rmy
ha vi ng eq uiv al en t s ta tus c om e.
c) An d if th ei r c on di ti on s w ou ld n ot f ul fill t he yw ou ld lik e t o
carry on t he ir fig ht ag ain st a llie d fo rces .
Th ei r c on di ti on s w er e acc ep te d. On th e d ay of su rre nd er , Ma jor
Ge ner al L og an at ho n, Co l. Ars ha d, Co l. Thi mai ya , G over nor of Aza d
Hin d B ank Mr . V adur i w er e p lac ed to pr is on er-ho us e.

Ma jor Ge ner al S ha hz ah an Kh an , Co l. S ehg al , Ma jor Dh illo n,

Co l. S .M Hu ssai n, M ajo r G en era l Az iz Ahm ad , Co l. L Ax mi
Sw ami na th an w er e c ap tur ed in t he b at tl ef iel d. C ha irp erso n o f t he
In di an I nd ep en de nc e L ea gu e A. I alo pp a acce pt ed th e de at h o f Ma rtyr
in a b omb b la st .
H is tory of b rav ery an d ho no r w as ma de b y t he cre di ts Ra ni
Jh ans i r eg im en t. The Br it ish n ot ice was se nt to ev ery g irl of t he
re gi me nt . Th ey w er e s tri ct ly o rd ere d n ot t o c om e i n t he u ni fo rm bu t
in c iv il d ress .

At t he t ime of s urre nd er , a n a rm y sh ou ld c om e i n h is or he r
un ifo rm . The gi rl s w er e a ls o a rm y pe rso n. Ma int ain in g th e tr ad it io n,
th ey c am e i n t he m ilit ary un if or m d iso bey in g t he o rd ers g iv en in th e
no ti ce . The ho us e i n wh ich th ey w er e t o surr en der ed wa s p rev io usl y
an o ffic e o f Az ad Hin d Gove rn me nt . A ph ot o o f Ne ta ji wa s t he re . Aft er
en te ri ng th e ho us e, th e g irl s fo un d th eir Su pr em e N et aji’ s p ho to . I n
fr on t o f t he p ho to t hey st oo d i n at te nt io n mo de . Th ey s al ut e t he
ph ot o as t he m ilit ary do i n fr on t o f th ei r h ea d.
Re ali zi ng t he b rav ery a nd s pir it o f g irl s, t he B ri tis h b ri ga di er
wa s a t a l oss fo r a m ome nt . Af te r s om e t ime he a ske d t he g ir ls why
th ey c am e i n m ilit ary un ifo rm di so bey in g th e o rd ers, he g ot t he re pl y
fr om a gir l i nst ant . S he a rg ue d s in ce th ey w er e t he f em ale cre di ts of
Az ad Hin d Gove rn me nt why th ey sh ou ld ob ey such an i lleg al or der .
He a ga in a ske d w hy t he y s al ut e t he p ho to i ns te ad of sa lu ti ng h im.
Th e r ep ly was th at s inc e t he p ho to wa s t he ir su pre me N et aj i’s. t ha t’ s
wh y t hey sa lu te th em . And i n fu tu re wh en ev er t he y fo un d his p ho to
th ey w ou ld do t he sa me .
Th e B ri tis h B ri ga die r M r. Lo yd er t he n sa id th e gi rl s t o gi ve a
bo nd t o h im st at in g t ha t th ey h ad n ot j oin I .N .A v ol un ta ri ly . i n t ha t
cas e no m ilita ry pu nis hm en t f or th em . bu t t he g ir ls re fus ed hi s
pr op osa l o n his fac e.

In t he wo rds of L ax mi S wa min at ha n, ” The Br it ish of fi cers we re re al ly

sur pri se d to f ind th is sp ir it a nd m an y of t he m ga ine d a c le ar insi gh t
int o t he t ru e p ers on al it y o f N et aji a ft er se ei ng th e sp ir it of co ur ag e
an d sacr if ic e wh ich Ne ta ji ha d in fu se d i nt o th e min ds o f th es e yo un g
wo me n. ”

No w th e p re pa ra ti on ha d st art ed a ga in. I nd ia n In de pe nd en ce
lea gu e a nd t he h ea d qu ar ters was fo rm ed ag ain . Th e 3 rd di vi si on wa s
st il l i nt ac t i n Ma lay . I n th e me an t ime th e Bah ad ur gr ou p a ls o
re ach ed Ba ng kok un de r t he l ea de rsh ip o f M ajo r R at ur i. Above all
th at , t he f act or , w hi ch sh ocke d ot he rs, wa s t he pr ese nce of ‘ X’
re gi me nt i n Mal ay . Ev eryo ne to ok i nto co nsi de ra ti on th at t he ‘ X’
re gi me nt was ca pt ure d i n th e wa r o f Pin ma na . Bu t mo st fo rt un at ely
th ey w er e c ap ab le t o r eac h M ala y o n fo ot ov erco mi ng a s uch g re at
dist anc e.

La te r i t wa s d ec id ed th at t he 3 rd d iv is io n w ou ld wa it i n t he
Ma lay to de pe nd t he a re a f ro m a llie d fo rce.
In t he ba tt le f ield th ro ug h h av in g a n umb er of pr ob le m th e I. N. A
wa s f aci ng b rav ely th e at tack of a llie d f orc es.
Ger ma ny a nd I ta ly alr ea dy sur re nd ere d, J ap an wa s a ls o i n a
very di ffic ul t si tu at io n i n t he w ar th at tim e. O n 6 th Aug ust , U .S .A
at tack ed by at om b om bs in o ne o f th e J ap an ese to wn N ag asak i.
La khs o f pe op le di ed i n t hi s a tt ack, mil lion s of p eo ple w as s eri ou sly
wo un de d. O n 9 th Aug ust , t he y h ad do ne t he s am e w ith Hir osh im a,
an ot he r J ap an ese t ow n. The res ul t w as mo re da ng er ous th an t he
pr evi ous on e. Th e n ex t da y, S ov ie t R uss ia d ecl ar ed wa r a ga inst
Ja pa n.
Th e d ef ea t of Ger ma ny , I ta ly , Ja pa n wa s n ot a bl e to b re ak t he
sp ir it of I .N .A a nd i ts su pre me Ne ta ji Sub has Ch an dr a B ose. In t he
wo rds of Ne ta ji, ”Ja pa n’s s urre nd er w as no t In di a’s surr en der .
Ja pa n’ s surr en der wa s n ot t he surr en de r of t he L ib er at io n Forc es
fi gh tin g fo r I nd ia ’s fr ee do m. Th e I. N. A wo uld no t ad mit d ef ea t. ”

Th e I .N .A o fficers a nd N et aji h ims el f m ove d to S ing ap or e. No w

it w as cl ea r th at J ap an wo ul d surr en der at a ny ti me . Th er e wa s
co nt in uo us m ee tin g am on g th e o fficers o f I. N. A re ga rd in g t he f ut ur e
ac tiv it ie s o f I. N. A. th e gr ea tes t res po nsi bil ity w as to c arry t he gir ls
sa fe ly t o th ei r h om e. I n ad di tio n to 50 0 gir ls t he re we re als o 4 5 b oys
of B als en a pr ese nt th er e.
 Mrs . Tha bo r, th e c om ma nd er of Ra ni Jh ans i r eg im en t in
Sin ga po re wa s g iv en th e res po nsi bi lit y t o c arry t he g irls to t he ir
ho me .
On 14 th Augu st, th e gi rl s o f Ra ni J ha nsi re gi me nt o rg an iz ed a
dr am a o n th e lif e sto ry of L ax mi ba i, t he q ue en o f J ha nsi . The ir gr ea t
an d he ar ty ac ti ng b ou nd th e vi ew ers t o th ink b ey on d t he w ar
si tu at io n.

Ne ta ji de ci de d t o surr en der him se lf so th at wh en t he a llie d

Gov ern me nt br in g hi m to t ri al , w ou ld e nc our ag e t he r evo lu ti on ary
pe op le o f In dia to f igh t a ga ins t th e Br it ish . B ut h e ult ima te ly ch an ge
his d ec is io ns a ft er a l ong d isc ussi on w it h th e I .N .A of fi cers .
On 15 th Augu st, th er e w as al l a bo ut ru mo rs a nd r um ors i n
Sin ga po re re gar di ng t he a rriv al o f al lied fo rces th er e. On 8 th J uly a
fo un da ti on o f a ma rtyr sta tu e w as fo rm ed i n Sin ga po re . N et aji
Su bh as did n ot fo rg ot it . He c al le d Co l. S tacy a nd c ap ta in R. A. Mal ik.
th ey c am e w ith t he m ap s an d dia gr ams . N et aj i S ub ha s i nstr ucte d
th em t o bu ild t he m ar tyr st at ue be fo re th e a llie d fo rces en te re d i nt o
th e to wn . C ol. S ta cy wa s g iv en th e au th or ity to b ui ld th e ma rtyr
st atu e o n th e me mo ri es of t he br ave ma rtyrs of I .N .A . I t wa s t he n
very di ffic ul t to f in d th e l abo rs a nd o th er ma te ri al s a t th e t ime o f wa r
wh en a ny t ime t he t ow n w ou ld be s if te d t o a no th er Gov ern me nt . Bu t
Co l. S tacy h ad p er for me d h er du ty . The m ar tyr st at ue wa s b ui lt in
Sin ga po re . N o on e is pe rm an en t i n t hi s w or ld , e very on e h as to lef t
th e wo rl d o ne d ay . B ut th e p ers on wh o acc ept de at h or a gr ea t ca use
he i s s ai d t o be m ar tyr . Ne ta ji S ub as h ex pec t t ha t t he B ri tt ish w ou ld
sur ely sh ow res pec t to wa rds th e ma rtyr of I .N .A . b ut h e wr on g, at t he
da y o f a rr iva l of alli ed f orc es i n Sin ga po re , t he st at ue wa s d est roye d
by cha rg in g d yn am it e on th e or der of M ou nt ba tt en .
 Re ali zi ng t he cruc ia l si tu at io n of t he wa r, i t wa s t he n d ec id ed i n
th e me et in g of t he I .N .A o ffic ers t ha t N et aji s ho ul d no w go to
Ma nc hur ia a nd t he n R uss ia to r eg ul at e th e f igh t f ro m th er e.
Se cre tary of Aza d H ind G over nm en t Anan do mo ha n Soh ai , Co l.
Ha bib ur Ra hm en , Co l. P ri ta m Sin gh a nd Ayer w ou ld a cco mp any him
in h is j ou rn ey . N et aj i s el ect ed Ma jor Ge ner al K ian i as th e al l i n all o f
th e I. N. A an d Ma jor Ge ner al V on sl e as t he p res id en t o f Aza d H in d
Gov ern me nt in h is a bs ence .
Ne ta ji wit h h is co mp an io ns re ach ed syg on. Th er e h e m et w ith
Ja pa nes e of fic ers an d als o t he of fice rs of Aza d Hi nd G over nm en t f or
ma ki ng t he fu tu re pla ns. It i s s ai d t ha t fr om syg on N et aji l eft f or
Ma nc hur ia , bu t d ue t o th e a gg ress iv en ess of R uss ia n a rmy th er e, he
wit h C ol. H ab ib ur Ra hma n r eac he d F or mos a ( ta ih oku air por t) a nd i n
ta ih ok u, on 1 8 th Aug ust , h e die d i n a n ae ro-p lan e acci de nt . H ow ev er ,
th e tr ue i s yet to u nv ei l.

AR ZI H AK UMAT-E- AZ AD H IN D

Sy on an
Da te ,1 6 th Aug ust ,1 94 5

ORDER

Du ri ng m y a bse nce fr om syn on , M ajo r G en era l M .Z . K iani w ill

re pres en t t he Pr ov isi on al Gove rn me nt of Aza d H ind Fo uz.

Su ba sh Ch an dr a B os e
H ea d of t he st at e
Pr ovi si on al G over nm en t o f Az ad H in d
Fo uz

Mo st of w is e m en o f th is pl an et i n t ha t t ime w as n ot a gr ee wit h
ne ws of de at h of S ub as h C ha nd ra Bo se . Acco rd in g t o Ma ha tm a
Ga nd hi , “I b eli ev e S ub ha s i s s ti ll ali ve . H e is bid in g tim e an d wi ll
co me ou t at th e ri gh t t ime ”.
The last photo of Netaji
JAI HIND

Imp act of I.N .A in In di a af te r the ir surren der

He re th e 2 nd w or ld wa r c am e t o an e nd . On 2 4 th Apr il I .N .A
surr en der ed . It w as de ci de d t ha t wa r p ri so ner of Aza d H ind fo uz
wo uld be s en t f or tr ia l in R ed f or t, de lh i.By July 1945, a large
numbers had been shipped back to India. At the time of fall
of Japan, the remaining captured troops were transported to
India via Rangoon. Large numbers of local Malay and
Burmese volunteers including the recruits to the Rani of
Jhansi regiment returned to civilian life and were not
identified. Those repatriated passed through transit camps in
Chittagong and Calcutta to be held at detention camps all
over India including Jhingergacha and Nilganj near Calcutta,
Kirkee outside Pune, Attock, Multan and at Bahadurgarh
near Delhi. Bahadurgarh also held prisoners of the Indische
Legion. By November, around 12,000 INA prisoners were
held in these camps, from which they were released
according to the "colors".By December, around 600 whites
were released per week. From amongst the rest, the
selection for those to face trial started. In the ean time
member of I.N.A was brought to Delhi from Germany which
was formed by Netaji previously. The tr ial woul d be cont in ue
in ins ta ll me nt s. It was d ecid ed t ha t in firs t tria l of I.N .A ,
Maj or Ge nera l Shah nawaz khan , Co l. Sahg al , an d Major
Dh il lon woul d sen t.
In t he wo rds of M ajo r G .S . D hi llon ,” Under those circumstances
the British Government’s decision to put on trial three I.N.A.
officers – a Muslim, a Hindu and a Sikh, was a blunder. The Indian
public were yet in the dark about us and our actions,. Actions
which were noble, nationalist, according to civilized rules of
international war, and for the liberation of our mother land. The
British were determined to teach us a lesson and we were
determined with unity and faith to sacrifice our life to pay the price
of India’s liberty.”

More than 12000 I.N.A members and 300 credits of Rani Jhansi
regiment were captured during the war. The date of trial of the
three I.N.A officers was declared on 5th November.

The whole India was shocked by the news of trial of the three
officers. British wanted to frighten the country by punishing the
three officers relating to the three major religions of India. But they
were false, the country was awakened from her torpor to hear a
unique of the fight for her freedom which had taken place beyond
her borders and about which nothing was known until very recently.
The whole country protested the trial one for all. They did not
want that any punishment should be given to the I.N.A army men
since they were fighting for their country. The common people of
India never came into know the existence of such a patriot force
until the end of war, but now things were changing. The story of
entry of I.N.A in India borders spread throughout the country, it was
all about the story of Netaji and his glorious I.N.A. Hindu-Muslim-
Sikh-Christian who were fighting each other for religious matter a
few days ago, but now the integrity of I.N.A changed all. They stood
all for the cause of saving the armies of I.N.A.
The all time loyal Indian army also stood against the trial.
Gradually the Indian services came to have a certain sympathy with
the popular clamor about the I.N.A, which was raised in India.
The influence of I.N.A on the loyal Indian army can be
highlighted from the incidents happened with Major General
Shahnawaz Khan and Col. Sahgal.
 While bringing Major General Shahnawaz khan in Delhi from
Calcutta in train, there was a number of Indian army was guarding
him . the next day when the Indian Subedhar asked him, he told
him the story of I.N.A in short. Hearing him, the Indian subedhar
ordered his men immediately to say sorry for their bad behavior
with Shahnawaz khan and also to take put the bullets from their
guns.
The incident of Col. Sahgal was more shocking, when the
muslim officer came to know the history of I.N.A, he told Col.
Sahgal that he and his men would ready to join I.N.A after killing
the two British officers present in the truck if he wish. However, he
refused the proposal.

Ii I n t he w or ds o f Ma jor G.S . Dh illo n, “During the War the

British had succeeded in keeping the I.N.A. actions and even the
name of the Indian National Army a well guarded secret. They
could not keep that secret anymore. Soldiers coming home after
the War had gone through a complete psychological revolution when
the brother did shed brother’s blood on either side in the battle-
field on lands abroad. The Indian soldier had seen the I.N.A. fight
against the British guns with rifles, and tanks with bullock carts and
the aircrafts with empty stomachs in tattered uniforms. As if that
was not enough the British victorious officers and men in the towns
of Singapore, Malaya, Thailand and Burma, were greeted with “JAI
HIND’ by boys and girls of Balak Sena Greetings of “JAI HIND’
meaning “Victory to India” made the soldiers of the Indian Army
pause and ponder as to what did they fight for? For their bread or
for the British? Thus when we, the soldiers of the I.N.A., were
prisoners behind the gates of various jails and detention camps tiny
lots of Netaji’s Balak Sena were still in the field shouting JAI HIND.
The British had no weapon which could be used against the Balak
Sena.”

The situation of India became more difficult when on 25th

September, the British murdered five I.N.A army men in Nilganj,
several were seriously wounded in this attack. People came down in
roads to protest such injustice, started strike on various areas. The
employees of post offices and aero planes also followed them. The
Gorkha regiment, which was famous for their loyalty to the British,
also went for mutiny. The continuous ignorance from British army
for them already mentally destroy them and now the rising respect
in people for I.N.A bound them to shake hand with their country
men and fight for the interest of their country.

The growing popularity of Netaji Subash and I.N.A became a

problem for I.N.C. in last three years, where the I.N.A made history,
the congress had done nothing except praising Mr. Jinnah and
Muslim league. The congress leaders then got a new way, they stood
for the I.N.A members. Congress propagandists to glorify the right
of rebel against foreign rule used the I.N.A trials.

Jawaharlal Nehru, the so called socialist who was constantly

advocating that the trial of Netaji Subash should as a normal war
criminal, now supporting I.N.A. the last of power had brought the
changes in him, he did not want to be a villain in eyes of people of
India.

The I.N.A defence committee was formed in due time with its
six members namely Jawaharlal Nehru, Asof Ali, Vulabhai Desai,
Kailashnath Katju, Tejbahadur Sopru nd Rogunandan Shoron.

Through the way of fighting of I.N.A was completely different

than that of National Congress. It was said that the object was since
same, the National Congress was supporting I.N.A.

The scenario of the country for the red fort trial was
completely different from any other trial. It seemed the India was
standing against the injustice of Britain. Not only in India, London,
Washington else where it was all about the influence of I.N.A. the
strong influence of I.N.A on Indian people can be highlighted by a
single statement of British Prime minister Mr. Attlee, “we were
sitting on the top of the volcano”. It was alarming for the future of
India, the I.N.A affair was threatening to tumble down the whole
edifice of the Indian army and the mass people.
 In the words of Indian night angle Sorajni Nairu, “ Subash was
a flaming sword…………….If I were asked to choose three sons, I
would have unhesitatingly chosen Shahnawaz, Sehgal and Dhillon.”

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The hypnotism of the I.N.A

has cast its spell upon us”

In the words of Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramai “………………Overshadowed the

names of national leaders. It looked as through the I.N.A . itself
eclipsed the Indian National Congress and the exploits of war and
violence abroad threw into obscurity the victorious of non-violence
at home.”

The true picture of the glorious feat of the I.N.A got revealed
in the historic trial of the officers and soldiers of the I.N.A in the
Red Fort at Delhi in December 1945. the entire country went
delirious with joy to hear more and more of the historic deeds of
I.N.A. it was beyond their expectation that an army consisting of
Indians, leaded by Indian came so near to them and return back.

At last the day of 5 November came. All was waiting for the
verdict of the British Empire. I.N.A started their fight with the
dream to reach Red Fort, through they reached Red Fort but
unfortunately as war criminal. On the same date on Maulana Abul
Kalam’s ‘I.N.A day’ was celebrated throughout the country. There
were all about meetings, strike, slogans protesting the injustice of
British on I.N.A.

Here in Red Fort, when three officers were going to court, the
rest of the men of I.N.A started giving slogans “Jai hind”, “Netaji
Zindabad”, in response Major Dhillon also made the same slogan.
One British officer hearing his slogan pushed him and ordered him
to keep silence. Major Dhillon in reply warned the Officer not to do
the same again, he again pushed Major, now tiger replied not with
his words but with his hands. the British officer was shouting for
help but neither the two other British officers nor the Gurkha army
men came forward to help him. At last Col. Sahgal came in between
the two and separated them.
 The lawyers appointed for saving the I.N.A officers were 17
leaded by Vulabhai Desai. the first witness being called upon in the
court was Lt. D.C.Nag. he placed his saying in front of the court
that the I.N.A was a free Government. They were not fighting under
Japanese army but fighting to free their motherland.

The next date of hearings was on 21st November. In the mean

time the whole India stood against the British under the banner of
the I.N.A. no matter whether the religion, the cast they stood up
shoulder to shoulder against the injustice. Jawaharlal Nehru, the
cleverest of national level, finding the support of people for I.N.A,
appealed for overall revolt, “…………it was India’s duty to revolt and
if the country was not prepared for a revolution to free itself it was
a dead nation.”

The hearing started again on 21st November. In the mean time, the
fire of revolution spread through Calcutta, Bombay, Allahbad,
Benaras, Patna, Rawalpindi and other parts of country. People
participating spontaneously in the revolt against the British. “Do or
Die.” Police for stoping the people started all that they could,
firing, lath charge nothing was excluded. They had done it
previously but now things were changed, people also stared reply
them. It was all about the influence of I.N.A.

In court Vulabhai Desai in spite of his old age and illness was
doing the best that he could do for to save the I.N.A. he questioned
on court, “ the honor and the law of the national Army are on trial
before this court, and the right to wage war with immunity on the
part of a subject race for their liberation………..

When you are nominally fighting against the King but really
fighting to liberate the country, then the point is whether the
question of allegiance can arise at all. Unless you sell your soul,
how can you ever say that the when you are fighting to liberate
your own country, there is some other allegiance which prevents
you from so doing……if that happens there is nothing but permanent
slavery.”

The verdict of the court was that the I.N.A officers should be
sent behind the prison for life long time, but later on the special
order of the field marshal Klod Okinlake, the three of them were
free.

The reason of the special order of the field marshal was a

‘secret’ latter of Lord Owavel sent to him. There was no sympathy
for the I.N.A officers in the mind of British officers but the fear
that if three were punished the whole India would stood up surely
against them. In the words of the field marshal, “there is a growing
feeling of sympathy for the I.N.A and an increasing tendency to
disregard he brutalities committed by some of its member as well as
the foreswearing by all of them of original allegiance.

It is impossible to apply our standards of ethics to this

problem or to shape our policy as we would, had the I.N.A been of
our race.”

The field marshal also sent a secret massage to the British

officers in India to stay alert. At anytime anything can be happened.
The situation of India was not at all good for them. The I.N.A
changed the thinking of people of India, they started to believe on
their strength. The country was awakening after 200 years long
slavery.

The mutiny of Indian army was in the mind of Lord Owavel, he

said, “it would be unwise to try the Indian Army too highly in the
suppression of their own people , and as time went on the loyalty of
even the Indian officials, the Indian Army and the police might
become problematical.”

On 4thJanuary, 1946 all three officers of I.N.A was set free.

But on 7th February, Captain Roshid Ali was sent behind the prison
for 7 years. On 7th February, a news was published in the dailies
which shocked the country. Many I.N.A officer was hand without any
trial in various parts of the country. Some of them were:

Name date of hanging place

1. Chottar Singh 29.7.1944 Delhi

2.Nazir Singh do do
3.Captain Durgamol 25.8.1944 do

4. Hajra Singh 25.10.1944 Red fort

5. Sarder Singh (bahadur Group) 23.3.1945 calcutta

6.Noginder Singh ( do ) 28.8.1943

7. Keshori Chand Singh 3.5.1945 Delhi

8. Choran Singh 28.8.1943 Multan

9. Captain Dol Bahadur Thapa 3.5.1945 Delhi

10. Captain Dolbara Singh 3.5.1945 do

11. Chomon Singh do

12. Gurucharan Singh firing squared

13. Pritam Singh

14. Khondder

15. Kortar Singh 4.12.1945 Shialkoat

16. Ramu Thaber 7.7.1944

17. T.P. Kumaran

18. Ramswami

19. Ajaib Singh Red fort

20. Johur Ahmad 23.8.1943

Hearing the news it seemed a storm had blown over the people. The
New York Times warned , “Although the I.N.A has been disbanded
following the futile attempt to liberate India with Japanese support
, it is still an explosive issue and more emotionally surcharged than
any to be found here………..This issue……..now appears certain to
play a vital and perhaps violent part in Indian politics……..”

The worming was not at all empty. On 11th February Muslim League
celebrated “Roshid Ali Day”” in India. Both the leaders of National
Congress and Muslim League came forward to lead the revolt. It was
nothing but the publicity stands of the national leaders. They still
wanted to remain loyal to the British. But the mass people was
greatly inspired by the thinking and activities of I.N.A. It was all
about “do or die.” In spite of the uncompromising struggle between
the two factions, last week, for the first time since 1921, Moslems
and Hindus together staged street protests and riots against the
British in Calcutta, Bombay, and New Delhi. The situation became
for difficult when Foteh Khan and Singara Singh of I.N.A was given
death sentences in a trial Puran Singh was also sent in Jail for 7
years.

In the mean time the historic navel mutinies started in various

ports of the country. It was about the influence of the ideologies of
I.N.A and their leader Netaji Subash. All total 78 ships of various
descriptions stationed in Bombay, Karachi, Madras and other ports
joined the mutiny( that time there were only 10 ships under the
control of white’s). Through there were every possibility of the
success of the mutiny, the selfish nation level leaders like
Jawaharlal Nehru, Bollobbhai Patel, Aruna Asof, Jinnah converted it
in a fail mutiny.” In the words of Mr. Modan Singh, one of the
supreme leader of the mutiny, “Oh my beloved countrymen!
See our national leaders. They are nothing but the traitors
of our motherland; see them-see them- see them”.
It was all about the lust for power of national level leaders of
Muslim League and national congress that lead the mutiny in futile.
The congress condemned the civilian disturbances of February 1946
and withdraws its support from the mutiny of the ratings. This was
mainly because the congress High Command expected the transfer
of power to be peaceful.

The growing opposition of people from all level made it clear

for the whites that they would not last long in this country. Behind
all that opposition and protest, I.N.A played the greatest role. The
dream of Rashbihari Bose, Subash Chandra Bose and crore of people
of India and Indians throughout the world came to in vision. At last
on 15th August, 1947 country achieved freedom from the hands of
British but it was divided in two parts Pakistan and India.

Treatment of I.N.A members in free India

Within India, the INA continued to have a strong hold over

the public psyche and the sentiments of the armed forces after
1947. However, they never got the reorganization for their
movement, for their sacrifice. Through some of them were become
popular in free India but most of the members of the I.N.A lost in
the free India. The partition of united India separated the I.N.A
members; again, the shameless politics of congress leaders
deprived them from what they actually deserved in free India.
Some have said that Shah Nawaz Khan was instrumental in
organizing INA troops to train Congress volunteers on Nehru's
request in late 1946 and early 1947. After 1947, some accounts
suggest that the INA-veterans were involved in training civilian
resistance forces against the Nizam's Razakars prior to the
execution of Operation Polo and annexation of Hyderabad. There
are also mentions of some INA veterans leading Pakistani
irregulars during the First Kashmir war.

INA-veterans were not allowed to join the Indian Army or any job
in a government office after India's independence in August 1947.
However, a few ex-INA members, notably the most prominent
members or those closely associated with Subhas Bose or with the
INA trials later have seen prominent public life or held important
positions in independent India.

Shah Nawaz Khan served as a Minister of State for Rail in the First
Indian cabinet. Lakshmi Sahgal, Minister for Women's affairs in
the Azad Hind Government, is a well-known and widely respected
public figure in India. In 1971, she joined the Communist Party of
India (Marxist) and was later elected the leader of the All India
Democratic Women's Association. In 2002, the Communist bloc’s
for the post of President of India also nominated her, when she lost
to the candidature of Abdul Kalam. Abid Hasan, Subhas Bose's
sole Indian companion in the U-Boat from Germany to South-east
Asia, joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1948 and served as the
Indian Ambassador to a number of countries including Egypt and
Denmark. Mohan Singh served for two terms in the Rajya Sabha of
the Indian Parliament as a member of the Indian National
Congress. Ram Singh Thakur, composer of a number of songs
including the INA's regimental march Kadam Badaye Ja, later
composed the tune for the Indian National Anthem.

Amongst the very few ex-INA members who joined the Indian
Armed Forces after 1947 was R S Benegal, a member of the Tokyo
Boys who was allowed to join the Indian Air Force in 1952 and
later rose to be an Air Commodore. Benegal saw action in both the
1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak war, earning a Maha Vir Chakra, India's
second highest award for velour.

The Indian Government later awarded a few members, including

Gurubaksh Singh Dhillon and Lakshmi Sahgal civilian honors of
Padma Vibhushan in the 1990s. Subhas Bose himself was
posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna in 1992 but this was later
withdrawn over the controversy over the circumstances of his
death. (Which is now proved that the day of 18 August, there was
no plain crash in Formosa, It is said that Netaji started his most
desired spiritual life in an unknown place of India after the
Independence of India)
 Netaji saluting the memorial statue of I.N.A

Through the members of the I.N.A paid the highest

price for the pride of their motherland and perform their
duty more efficiently than any other for the freedom of
India, but in free India their contribution and sacrifice was
never got the reorganization they and their movement
deserved. It was only because of the selfish politics of the
Jawaharlal Nehru and other congress leaders. Netaji Subhas
Chandra Bose, the leader of I.N.A was the most worthy
candidate for being the first prime minister of free India and
I.N.A since did not take the way of congress leaders i.e.
prayer, please and petition but got the desired success which
the congress leader never got, out of zealous of Netaji and
I.N.A, the national leaders was never ready to recognize the
great sacrifice of the I.N.A members. They paid the price of
implementing their dream of living in a free nation by their
blood but in return the got nothing. They were not allowed
to take any government job; they were deprived from the
minimum facilities of living in a free nation. Jawaharlal
Nehru and the other congress leaders played the naked and
shameless game of power politics. The real heroes of India
through able to implement their dream but remains
unknown to their fellow citizens. Their story of bravery which
may not find in anywhere in world history remains untold. In
the words of Lionard Mosle,” But for Nehru and Patel and all
the congressmen yearning for the fruits of power, the carrot
Mountbatten dangled in front of their noses was too
delectable to be refused. They gobbled it down.”
In India, it is said that the freedom was received by the way
of non-violence and nothing else, if it so then what is I.N.A?
Why they gave their blood? Why more than 27000 people
accepted the death in war against the British? In schools the
story how the british devided the Indians on the besis of
religion it is said but the story of how the I.N.A members
under the leader Why I.N.A never got the reorganization,
they deserve in free India? Why, why, why????? If they were
then allowed to enter all the fields of public life, the political
system would be not the same. It can surely say that the
selfishness would replace by selflessness, the corruption
would replaced by patriotism. There would be no riot in
between the religions. There would be no place for the
defective bureaucratic system in India. And most
importantly the young generation of country would surely
not move in such a idleness way.

REFERENCES: “Aami Subash bolchi”-Sailesh Dey

The glorious Azad-Hind-Fouz

Jai hind
Dedicated towards
The great sacrifices made by the Indian National Army

Jai Hind