Manipur Labour Corp member of WWI Dead man's account likely to be revealed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 27 2015: Putanleng was one among the 2000 men of the Manipur Labour Corp who were sent to Europe to assist British troops during the World War I .

Since he left home for Europe, his family literally lost him, not knowing whether he was alive or dead.

As agreed upon between the then Manipuri king and Political Agent Lt Col HWG Cole, the Manipur Labour Corp comprising of 2000 men was sent to Europe from Bombay by sea in April 1917 .

Putanleng's family had no idea about his whereabouts, whether he was alive or dead during the past 98 years.

A ray of hope struck the family when The Sangai Express published a news report a few days back about the discovery of graves of 87 Manipuri natives who were members of the Manipur Labour Corp in Europe and Egypt.

The Second World War Imphal Campaign Foundation founder Yumnam Rajeshwar said that Putanleng's family contacted him after reading the news report.

Certain articles/memorabilia would be handed over to Putanleng's family tomorrow and the family would be given an account of the lost man.

At the time of the World War I, Putanleng was married but he had no issue.

His grave has been discovered at St Xavier Cemetery, France.

After the death of Putanleng in the war, his wife married another man and she got a son from the second husband.

Putanleng's step-son is still alive and he is now 85 years old, Rajeshwar said.

Putanleng who hailed from Hundung, Ukhrul died on April 5, 1918 .

Except for a war medal given by the British Government, a memorial flag, a memorial scroll and a condolence slip signed by British emperor George which were sent to his family, very little was known about him.

Rajeshwar said that he has talked with one Henry who is an indirect descendent of Putanleng.

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