TODAY -

Japan Lan: Life In Kangla Sangomshang & Siphai

Bramhacharimayum Sadananda Sharma *

  Japanese soldiers begging for food : RKCS Art Gallery
Japanese soldiers begging for food : RKCS Art Gallery
Warning: These images CANNOT be reproduced in any form or size without written permission from the RKCS Gallery



As Air-raid sirens sounded the warning during the 2nd World War. It became an almost daily part of life both in both the capital and villages. When people heard the siren they would stop what they were doing and make for a safe shelter.

At same time Japanese planes came for air raid, sounds of those planes were quite loudly heard; many of us hide in a pit (Kom) in Manipuri, as narrated by Ngangbam Tocha Singh, 92 years old elderly man from Kangla Sangomshang who is once a care giver of the colonial "Sepoy" during the 2nd world war.

When it comes to 2nd world war the name of Kangla will forever remain unerased from the history. Kangla being the name of an important place during the period of the great Second World War will ever remain in history even generations after generations.

The very village of Tocha, Kangla Sangomshang lies in the western bank of the Iril river which flows down southward through the village, whereas on the east of the river lies Kangla Siphai. Kangla siphai is situated to the north eastern part of Imphal the capital of Manipur, around 9 kilometres away from Imphal itself.

From Chairenthong, the short bridge from Imphal Ukhrul road, taking a right turn on the inter village road eastward. As per settlement record of the government, both the places here on both sides of the river, Kangla Siphai and Kangla Sangomshang are known as the same single village as "Kangla" in short.

The word "Kangla" can be traced back to those olden days when Chandrakriti Maharaja was the reigning King of Manipur about 300 years back. Many soldiers or Siphais who guarded the royal palace of the Maharaja were made to live in this village on the riverside, and hence the place came to be known as "Kangla Siphai" afterwards.

According to old aged people "Kangla Sangomshang" was also said to be have been so named for supplying milk to the royal kitchen during those times. The word "Shangom" is milk and "Shang" meaning shed. It is said that the village had a lot of cowshed and produced large quantity of milk which is enough to serve the royal homes; hence the place came to be known as place of milk sheds.

Very near to the east of the village, stands the great Chingkhei Ching (a small mountain) as a protector of the people of this village. The place of the mountain is also regarded as the abode of the legendary king Chingkhei Ningthou.

The relation between the lives of the people on both sides of the river and the Chingkhei Hill is very close that the hill itself is a good source of several things which the villagers need in their day to day life. The hill provides them with firewoods, bamboos, trees and many edible herbs and vegetables. In simple word Chingkhei hill may be called the life of the villagers.

During the time of 2nd world war, as narrated by Ngangbam Tocha, the colonial Sepoy took shelter in Kangla Sangomshang and set up their camp in Tarakonjin, a hill in Kangla Sangomshang where they kept Sten-gun, bombs, and even anti-aircraft gun etc. They captured the area from Chingarel (a small hill situated near Ukhrul road, which is currently Assam rifles camp) to Ningthoubung for constructing their camp.

Planes are kept hidden in bushes covering by black tent, grass and leaves to protect from enemies air raid. He works for 7/8 years for the colonial Sepoy assisting them in guarding the plane and camps protecting from cattle and intruders. He even took care of their horses cleaning and feeding in returns as a monthly salary they paid some amount and it was huge during those times, he said.

According to Tocha Second World War or Japan Lan in local term is something new in their life, living in such a small village which is an outskirt area in those days. They find it hard to understand the war which is havocking and shaking the earth. Villagers including Tocha's parents were always having this fear and panic of war bombing and attacks during those days. They even locked down their house early before night time.

But Tocha being a small boy he never had those fear and panic instead he himself enjoys being around those planes, guns and Armies during those days. Japan Lan created huge panic even around neighboring villages. Before the war elders of the villagers of neighboring villages used to meet and talks about various rituals, religious, social matters as a means of time passing, but the war brings a lot of changes in and around villages.

One memorable and witty moment for Tocha is that being a teenager he was interested in how an airplane work and fly. So, he keeps a close watch on how the armies handle all those control and procedure to fly.

Not so long to his boyish imagination he thought he acquires enough knowledge to fly an airplane, out of curiosity and desire one fine day seeing a situation, narrating the story suddenly Tocha exclaimed that he had no clue how come he was inside the airplane then he started the engine, and he pushes a paddle the plane started moving slowly, but he got panic and shout for help, meanwhile, all the armies came out and stop the plane, one of the flying commander even slap him but didn't get any severe punishment, Tocha made a soft smile.

During those times when the Japanese bombed Imphal town on Sunday, the 10th May, 1942 there was no airport in Manipur. In fact, the only airport in the North Eastern Region of India at that time was at Dinjan, near Dibrugarh.

Koirengei Airfield was constructed during 1942-43 with the help of American Engineers. The other two main all weathers airfields constructed in Manipur during World War II were the Tulihal and Pallel airfields. Three other fair weathers airfields were also made during this period at Thoubal, Sapam and Kangla Siphai. All these airfields did play a big role in saving Manipur from the clutches of the invading Japanese Army.

Tocha added, there were many army resided in Kangla, foods were supplied by army aeroplanes sometimes through air drop. They sometimes eat our indigenous food but being a spicy food they could not take it often. He continued, during war time many villagers fled to other neighbouring villages specifically in Tumukhong, Moirangpurel, Sabungkhok, Pukhao etc and settle there by doing agricultural work for survival.

Even some of Tocha's relatives and friends fled away in fear of war. Since there were no proper land settlement and demarcations during those days, there were huge opportunities for many villagers shifting from one village to another in search of least war prone areas.

Not only were those, villagers from Kangla Sangomshang also displaced to the other side of Iril River (Kangla Siphai) so as not to injure when bombing. However, many villagers do also returns after war ended. He said, even though there were many bomb explosions near the village, there was no report of casualty, only one cattle was injured in bombing.

In those days, the primary occupation of the villagers were mainly depends on agricultural work. Among the villagers, one or two were employed in Government Departments in the post of "ameen" (one who demarcate lands) and clerks.

It will be hard for us to visualise the situation of that time, there were big airfield with planes in different directions and many army camps, arms and ammunitions were stored which are needed for war, he added. Amidst war zone life was simple for them few stalls of women vendors can be seen selling pans, sweets, cigarettes are being opened.

Ever since the war started villagers in Kangla Sangomsang and Siphai were impacted in some ways. As most of the villagers used to depend their source of income and livelihood by doing agricultural works. The War created a cease in work in different activities including cutting of woods from hills for charcoals, building and constructions, raising cows in fields...etc. But as life has to go on, some minor activities still continues for survival.

One unique performance which they saw first time during war time is that many armies from camps of Indian armies along with workers were there performing drills every morning which is quite new for them. Their special moment during that time lies in the grazing field located at the southward of Kangla village that links with the northern outskirt of the Angom village.

It was also the grazing ground of that time, being a vast grassy plain, was made into a sports complex by the British Army and as such different games like football, athletics, rugby, volleyball, softball and Indian kabaddi etc were played and practiced there every day by Indian armies and Britishers.

Besides army men, a few interested young men of the villages too joined the game. According to Ngangbam Tocha he also participated in the practiced of certain games like football in which he acquire a lot of skills and tactics, one day he was playing with the armies and he kick the ball with all five toe and he got injured, there the army gave him first aid and necessary treatment.

During those times many tournaments of different games were held and conducted by the Anglo Americans which encamped in and around the Kangla air field. On the western boundary of this field, lies a small hillock known as Tarakonjin, a popular playing place for all youths. During war time, there stood a big tent on that hillock, said to be the camp of a general and in it many big British and American officers held meetings and discussions there.

At first many villagers of Kangla were petrified seeing large number of soldiers, planes, camps and ammunitions even though war continues. Tocha believes that armies were settled there to help and rescue the villages so he helps them and guide in many ways. However, his parents and friends keep warning and advised him to stay away from all this issues.

Villagers find it hard to keep close with the soldiers at first but some of the soldiers were kind enough and open minded, they even offers foods and cloths to some of the villagers. Slowly the fear and tension inside the villagers mind goes away. Later on the armies and villagers continues to keep a distance relation inside the war zone.

Recalling the past, eyes misted over with tears he continued that, after the war, as a token of appreciation for his work, the colonial "Shipoy" presented a certificate and also ask him to visit their country independently and presented a pistol along with a Sten-Gun. But those entire precious certificates were thrown in river where many were arrested for keeping those things at that time.

The old aged Ngangbam Tocha recalled his memory in a sweet voice and said those days were quite a troublesome time compared to today's situation. But with the grace of god we survive and those sweet and troublesome memories become our source of happiness.

People were generous and kind helping each others, sharing things between friends and neighbours were a part of life. Most of my childhood's friends are not with me anymore, "I missed them a lot" were his words wiping his eyes filled with tears, with his khudei.

Reference:

Koirengei Airfield: From airfield to a historical site or a parking space?
Writer: Retd Lt Col M Ranjit Singh;

The 2nd World War in Manipur & My Childhood,
Author: Kh. Nimaicharan Singh,
Published by: Kh. Ratankumar Singh, Imphal


* Bramhacharimayum Sadananda Sharma wrote this article for Imphal Times
This article was webcasted on February 26 2021 .



* 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
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • 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