TODAY -

Potsangbam Tomal Singh (1903 – 1999)
His contribution to Political and Socio-Economic Life in 20th Century Manipur

Aheibam Koireng Singh & Kakchingtabam Ruhinikumar Sharma *

 Potsangbam Tomal Singh (1903 – 1999)
Potsangbam Tomal Singh (1903 – 1999)



Shri Potsangbam Tomal Singh, s/o Late P. Tomba Singh was born in the year 1903. His birth and death were at the same place at his ancestral residence in Singjamei Chingamakha Ningthoujam Leikai, Imphal of Manipur state.

He breathed his last on 21 November 1999. He was decorated and honoured with an award of Tamrapatra in 1972 by the Government of India for his outstanding contribution in the fight for freedom of India from the British colonial rule.

In addition to his active political life, he was a man with multifaceted personality 'having inventive skill in various fields of crafts and designs. His name was enshrined as Freedom fighter in the INA Memorial Complex at Moirang.

Right from his youthful days, he enthusiastically took part in the issues that concerns the land and its people. He joined Nikhil Hindu Manipuri Mahasabha in 1938. His role in the Second 'Nupilan' which translates as the Women's War of 1939 is noteworthy. In consultation with Yuvaraj Bodhchandra, he along with the volunteers led by him brought those women agitators who received bayonet injury on 12 December to the hospital.

The following day on 13 December, he presided a meeting at Police Lane with a mass gathering of women. In the said meeting, a resolution of 'Civil Disobedience' was adopted for the first time. Immediately, after the said meeting, women in large number came out and dismantled many rice mills and successfully prevented the vehicles from plying and transporting rice to outside the state.

During those days, where Nikhil Manipur Mahasabha was there as the only political party in Manipur, major differences emerged between the group led by Khogendrajit and the one led by Lalita Madhop while the party president Hijam Irabot was away at Cachar. In it, he played a major role in intervening and mediating the crisis.

In the year 1938, he was kept in detention at the prison for three months for writing an article condemning the imprisonment of Rani Gaidinliu, an illustrious freedom fighter. He was a working Committee member of Manipur Praja Sanmellani founded in January 7, 1940.

Netaji Subhas Chandra purportedly send a letter addressed to the political parties of Manipur for a quicker success of the ongoing war of Indian independence. The brief summary of the letter is as follows:
"My friends from political parties of Manipur! The war is being waged against the British and the Americans for the independence of India. Therefore I invite the Manipuris to join the war.
Yours
Sri Subhas Chandra Bose
Supreme Commander of the INA"

 Potsangbam Tomal Singh (1903 – 1999)
Potsangbam Tomal Singh (1903 – 1999)



He was among those few political workers of Manipur who responded to the call of Netaji. In the year 1941-42, during the Japanese War in Manipur, he went to Moirang (presently comes under Bishnupur District) and was there for about four months to join the Indian National Army (INA) led war of Indian independence.

As confirmed by his fellow INA veteran, Late Hemam Nilamani Singh, while he was Deputy Education Minister to the Government of Manipur, Potsangbam Tomal joined the INA led movement along with him in the last week of 1944, on which Moirang was captured by the INA. He left Moirang for Rangoon in the first week of July 1944 along with Colonel Shaukat Ali Malik when the order of the retreat was received.

Col. SA Malik was well-known and credited for commanding a unit of the Bahadur Group in the capture of Moirang during the early phases of Imphal World War II campaign of INA. Bahadur Group, also known as the Special Services Group was a unit that was tasked with frontline intelligence as well as subversion and sabotage operations behind enemy lines.

He met Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Rangoon and was administered oath by the Netaji to fight against the colonial British government. "He went underground along with us on 1. 5. (19)45 while we were searched by the British Govt. of Burma under rule 26 defence of Burma rules of the Defence of Burma Act, 1940 after the recapture of Burma by the British army.", Hemam Nilamani stated.

The said rule 26 decrees, "Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, a Deputy Commissioner may continue and is empowered to retain in custody any person who has been detained under Rule 26 of the Defence of Burma Rules pending the orders of the Governor, if he is satisfied that such person is a dangerous criminal."

He was brought to Calcutta (present Kolkata) under an arrangement made by the then British Government of India and returned to Manipur in the second week of April 1946." In the year 1946-47, he was elected as the President of the Manipur State Congress and worked as a faithful disciple of Gandhi. He also served as the President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) in the year 1951-52.

In addition to his active political life, he was also a skilled master craftsman with lot of innovative ideas, an artist who believed in the dictum, 'work is worship'. From the year 1930 onwards, he as a craftsman practiced the brass & bell metal and aluminium works. He also made a pioneering and dedicated effort in ushering Sericulture industry in Manipur.

During his MPCC presidentship term (1951-52), he was very much keen and concerned about the sericulture industry in Manipur. Accordingly to uplift and promote sericulture industry in Manipur, he sought support and patronage from Bimala Prasad Chaliha, a freedom fighter and leader of the Indian National Congress who later on became Chief Minister of Assam for three five year terms.

His effort proved fruitful as Assam government extended their helping hands by providing training to the natives of Manipur about the new technologies and methods of sericulture and also by facilitating in the registration under Registrar Office of the Society, Manipur and establishment of the first ever Sericulture and Weaving Co-operative Society of the state with him as the Chairman.

He made a reeling charkha (spinning wheel) known as 'Tomal Charkha' and with the help of his self-made charkha, he started imparting training to the young and unemployed women of Manipur. Then after, sericulture in Manipur began to be rapidly developed winning the confidence and appreciation of the government and the Central Silk Board thereby leading to the establishment of separate Sericulture Department of Manipur.

 Potsangbam Tomal Singh (1903 – 1999)
Potsangbam Tomal Singh (1903 – 1999)



Though he played key roles in many of the intense political struggles, he was selfless and never did anything for self-gain. He got enchanted and took delight at the thought that he was able to contribute at least something for the betterment of the people.

One thing which he very often said which is thought provoking and worth pondering is reproduced herein below:
In original Manipuri Manuscript Free English Translation by the author
Manipur pikcharabasu mahousa lairembina watana pibiba wata padaba lamni .....
Manipur is a self-sufficient land blessed bountifully by the mother nature ...

Manipur Bihargi Leikai amana henna chaowi adubu eikhoina ekhutna suba tandrabadi asengba sana leibak oigani.
A gramin (village) of Bihar is even bigger than Manipur,
even then it would surely be a golden land if we are not lazy to toil and labour by our own hands,

Yariba makhei mingondagi tangdana esana suja nomjaduna hingadabani.
As possible as it could,
one should live by relying on themselves with their own effort without depending on others.


In terms of holding constitutionally elected post, his political career was not that noteworthy. But people respected him as a skilled craftsman and an artist. He never deserted his love for motherland even at the last moment of his deathbed. In the twilight of his life, he seemed very much troubled with the outward appearance of Manipur which overwhelmingly move towards pretentions and duplicities.

So he often used to utter with discontent:
In original Manipuri Manuscript Free English Translation by the author
Eikhoigi Sarkar pairibasingna wakhal khanthaba watpadagi Manipur na lairaribani sotharibani.
The poverty and underdevelopment in Manipur continues to prolong due to thoughtlessness and insensitiveness of those in power at the government.


Though he had departed more than a couple of decades ago, the sacrifices he made, the selfless service he rendered, his spirit of nationalism, his cherished dream of self-reliant and self-sufficient Manipur should not be gone into oblivion and deserves to get the attention of those in the echelons of power.

Notwithstanding his association with the INA, his concern for the interest and welfare of the state of Manipur clearly illustrates his rootedness as the true son of the soil. His contributions and ideals needs to be recollected and retold and brought to public notice so as to remain fresh and stay relevant to people's memory.


* Aheibam Koireng Singh / Kakchingtabam Ruhinikumar Sharma wrote this article for Imphal Times
This article was posted on November 15, 2020.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025