INA Martyrs' Memorial Committee debunks claim on hoisting of INA flag at Moirang by Naki Ahmed Choudhary
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang, January 05 2026: The INA Martyrs' Memorial-cum-Library Local Advisory Committee on Monday strongly refuted a recent statement made by renowned Manipuri artist Narendra Ningombam regarding the hoisting of the Indian National Army (INA) flag at Moirang, terming the claim as historically incorrect and misleading.

Addressing a press conference held at the INA Moirang Complex, committee member Y Modhu said that the statement attributed to Narendra Ningombam, claiming that Naki Ahmed Choudhary, a Meitei Pangal, had hoisted the Indian tricolour (INA flag) on liberated Indian soil at the residence of freedom fighter Hemam Nilamani, has no factual basis.

Modhu stated that if Narendra Ningombam is unaware of the historical facts related to the INA, he is welcome to visit the office of the INA Martyrs' MemoriaL cum-Library Local Advisory Committee to learn about the authentic history.

He expressed regret that such a claim, reportedly made during a public gathering and later going viral on social media, was unfortunate and misleading.

Clarifying the historical record, Modhu said that the true account of the historic INA event is clearly documented in history books written by individuals closely associated with the INA movement and freedom fighters of the Second World War, including Mairembam Koireng, the first elected Chief Minister of Manipur, freedom fighter Hemam Nilamani and their associates.

He asserted that the INA flag, bearing the emblem of a springing tiger at its centre, was first hoisted at the historic Moirang Kangla by Commander Col Shaukat Ali Malik of the INA Intelligence Wing's Bahadur Group on April 14, 1944.The act marked the INA's victory over British forces and declared Moirang as the first liberated territory of Independent India.

Questioning how such a significant historical event could be misrepresented, Modhu said that while Naki Ahmed Choudhary was indeed associated with the historic events at Moirang, he did not hoist the INA flag.

He cautioned that incorrect statements of this nature could create confusion in future historical narratives.

Urging Narendra Ningombam to immediately clarify his remarks, Modhu reiterated that the committee remains open to providing accurate historical information.

The press conference was attended by several other members of the INA Martyrs' Memorial-cum-Library Local Advisory Committee.

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