Imphal, October 21: The 64th anniversary of the Provisional Government of Free India founded by Indian National Army (INA) under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was observed today at Moirang, where the tri-colour flag was hoisted for the first time.

The event jointly organised by the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur and INA Advisory Committee at INA Memorial complex, Moirang was attended by Chief Minister O Ibobi as chief guest, MLA Mairembam Manindra as functional president and Director of Art and Culture Dr Kh Sorojini Devi as guest of honour.

Chief Minister O Ibobi led other dignitaries and people present at the occasion in offering floral tributes to the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose installed inside the memorial complex.

Speaking on the significance of the Provisional Government of Free India which was installed only for a short period, Prof Y Modhu Singh recounted that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who was the leader of Indian Independence League, later came to be known as INA declared formation of the Provisional Government of Free India on October 21, 1943 at Singapore and nine countries including Japan recognised it.

Three days after the declaration of formation of Provisional Government of Free India with the help of the then powerful countries like Japan and German, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose declared war against the British.

Under the slogan of Delhi Challo, the Army of the Provisional Government not only reoccupied Andaman and Nicobar Islands but also proceeded till Moirang of Manipur after crossing the Arakan Range of Myanmar.

On April 14 of 1944, the tricolour flag of India was hoisted for the first time at Moirang and after setting up the advance headquarters there continue to rule till July 16.With a command of over 40,000 army and 1500 officers which was divided into five Division, the Provisional Government liberated over 1500 square miles of land in Manipur from the British rule.

The whole of Moirang supported Subhas Chandra Bose.

Even if the end of the Provisional Government and th subsequently breakdown of INA was another story, there is no two argument on the influence of Netaji on the free struggle of India.

In fact, there had never been such Provisional Government in the history of th world, Prof Modhu said.

In his address as chief guest of the function, Chief Minister O Ibobi said Moirang where the tri-colour flag of India was unfurled for the first time would remain as an important asset for all of us.

Indian leaders like Netaji, Gandhiji, etc, as well Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, etc are true leaders who not only led and lit the torch for us but also inspire us.

However, the prevailing culture of targeting the people under the cloak of patriotism is really unfortunate and all concerned should think over it, the Chief Minister said.

On conservation of Loktak lake at Moirang, the Chief Minister said an amount of Rs 4 crores has been set aside for further development of the lake to attract tourists and help the fishermen who depend on the lake for their livelihood.

So removal of the floating bio-masses have already begun and each of the fishermen who attended their co-operation would be entitled to get Rs 13,000.Side by side, necessary arrangements for upgrading and expansion of the road leading to Sendra from Moirang as four-lane, construction of retaining walls and installation of street lamps would be taken up soon, the Chief Minister said, while appealing to the encroachers concerned to voluntarily shift away before the Government evicts them.

The Chief Minister further informed that the Govt has also sanctioned Rs 14 crores for setting up Tamupat as a regional water sports complex.

Moreover, plans are also afoot for construction of a watch tower at INA complex and a guest house at Moirang, he added.

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