Unsung Heroes of India’s Freedom Struggle from the Northeast

As India commemorates its 77th Independence Day, it’s imperative to acknowledge the significant but often overlooked role played by the unsung heroes from the states of Northeast India in the nation’s journey towards freedom from British colonial rule. While the struggle for independence is synonymous with iconic figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose, the contributions of the Northeastern states, including Sikkim and Darjeeling, are an integral part of the historical tapestry.

In a noble initiative, IPS Office Robin Hibu, Special Commissioner of Police at Delhi Armed Police and his NGO Helping Hands, have taken various initiative to promote and spread awareness about the contributions of Freedom Fighters from the Northeast stated in India’s freedom struggle.

Assam

Assam’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle is notable for its role in the Quit India Movement of 1942. Under the leadership of stalwarts like Kushal Konwar and Kanaklata Barua, the state became a hotbed of anti-colonial protests and demonstrations. The iconic ‘Tezpur Revolt’ led by Barua, where she unfurled the national flag defying curfew, stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of the region.

Kanaklata Baruah

She is popularly known as ‘Birbala’. She took active part in the Quit India Movement as the head of the women volunteers line with the National Flag in her hand. She was shot dead by the British police during a non-violent protest at the Gohpur Police Station.

Sambhudhan Phonglo

Born in the Cachar Hills region of Assam, Veer Sambhudhan Phonglo was one of the foremost Dimasa freedom fighters who fought against British colonialism in India. Sambhudhan Phonglo extensively travelled in the North Cachar Hills, encouraging mass resistance, making contacts, and organizing followers. He was able to recruit a large number of youths to form a revolutionary force and training centres.

Kushal Konwar

A prominent leader from Assam during the Quit India Movement, he was one of the key persons to organize the movement in Assam. In 1942, he was falsely charged by the British of de-railing a military train and causing accidents. He was charged as the mastermind of the train accident and sentenced to death by hanging.

Maniram Dewan

He was an Assamese nobleman and a freedom fighter in British India. He was one of the first people to establish tea gardens in Assam. He was a statesman of the Sepoy revolution of 1857. He is considered one of the most outstanding personalities of the 19th century in Assam

Manipur

The Northeastern state of Manipur witnessed remarkable resistance against British rule. In addition to the brave battles fought by the patriotic people of Manipur against the Burmese in the 17th and 18th centuries, and later against the British in 1891, Manipur has a consistent history of standing up for what is right.

Rani Gaidinliu

A Rongmei Naga spiritual and political leader born in the Tamenglong region of Manipur, Rani Gaidinlu took up armed resistance against the British authority at the age of 13 years. Among the local communities, Rani Gaidinlu was considered an incarnation of Goddess Cherachamdinliu. She was arrested in 1932 at the age of 16, and was sentenced to life imprisonment by the British rulers. She was released in 1947 after independence and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru gave her the title ‘Rani’ and described Gaidinliu as the “daughter of the hills”. She was also awarded a Padma Bhushan. The Government of India issued a postal stamp in her honour in 1996, and commemorative coin in 2015.

Haipou Jadonang

A Naga spiritual leader born in Tamenglong region, Haipou Jadonang gradually turned into a revolutionary when he observed how the British imposed their religion and way of life on the Nagas, and realized that the attempts to convert the Nagas were a serious threat to the indigenous faith, customs, and traditions of the community. Jadonang worked for the preservation and revival of the Naga culture and revolted against the imperial and spiritual oppression of the British.

Bir Tikendrajit Singh

A Royal prince and Commander of the Manipuri revolutionary army, he was one of the masterminds of the ‘Palace Revolution’ against the British which led to the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. Bir Tikendrajit and his loyal forces comprising General Paona Brajabashi and Gorkha revolutionary Subedar Niranjan Chhetri and others were captured by the British during Manipur expedition and was hanged for treason.

Ngulkhup Haokip

Leader of Kuki militia group formed rebel and fight against the expansion of the British forces. He was captured by the British after the Anglo-Kuki War (1917-19) and taken to Imphal and then Assam for imprisonment. Ngulkhup Haokip is called a Kuki War Hero because he did not surrender to the British till he was arrested despite many attempts to lure and force him to surrender.

Nagaland

Nagaland’s journey towards India’s freedom was marked by the set-up of the first village under Azad Hind administration in the Naga hills, specifically in Ruzasho village. The contributions of Naga freedom fighters to the struggle for independence and their relationship with Netaji are often not talked about in today’s history books in India.

Vezo Swuro

Vezo Swuro was close to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. At 16 years old, he met Netaji near his house. Netaji’s camp was close, so he and a friend went there with spades when Bose invited them. They worked in the camp, hidden in thick bamboo, escaping British bombings twice. They cut bunkers and were excited to help Bose. Despite language barriers, he collected fruits and things for Netaji. He guided Netaji around the village. The village gave 300 tons of rice to Japanese and INA during their stay.

Mr. Visar Viswento Angami

Mr. Visar Viswento Angami, also known as Visar was one of the first educated Naga youth. During World War II, he helped the Japanese and his villagers as an interpreter and mediator. He was imprisoned by the British from 1944 to 1945 for his role in the freedom movement.  When the Japanese arrived at Jakhama village in April 1944, they needed an educated person to communicate with the villagers. Mr. Visar presented a photo of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose to the Japanese, and they mistook him for a British spy. However, Mr. Visar managed to meet Mr. Miyasake, the commanding officer of the Kohima Battle. Mr. Visar became part of the Indian National Army (INA), earning respect from soldiers. 

Meghalaya

The Garo and Khasi Hills in Meghalaya became a battleground against colonial oppression. Prominent figures like Togan Nengminja Sangma and U Tirot Sing Syiem led the indigenous people in their fight for independence, asserting their cultural identity along with their political aspirations.

Togan Nengminza

A freedom fighter from Garo Hills region of Meghalaya, Togan Nengminza belonged to the Garo (A-chick) tribe. He refused to cave into the British forces who had come to occupy his homeland. His warriors force attacked the British soldiers while they slept and inflicted heavy casualties in the beginning, but the modern weaponry of the British was no match for the swords and spears of the Garo warriors. Togan Nengminza and his force fought to the last man and fell under a barrage of bullets fired by the British forces.

U Tirot Sing Syiem

A Syiem (chief) of the Nongkhlaw region of the Khasi Hills, U Tirot Sing fought against British invasion into the Khasi Hills. He is hailed for his warfare tactics, valour & uncompromised control over the Khasi region against the British occupation, U Tirot Sing Syiem was among the fiercest leaders of the Anglo-Khasi War fought from 1823 to 1833. During the Anglo-Khasi War, the Khasi forces lacked firearms and had only swords, shields, bows and arrows. Therefore, they resorted to guerrilla activity, which dragged on for about four years. Tirot Sing was eventually captured by the British in January 1833 and deported to Dhaka. His death anniversary, 17th July, is commemorated every year as a state holiday in Meghalaya.

Arunachal Pradesh

Though geographically isolated, Arunachal Pradesh’s people fervently participated in the freedom movement. The state witnessed grassroots resistance and contributions from individuals who rallied behind the national cause, despite the formidable terrain and logistical challenges.

Matmor Jamoh

He was an Adi warrior of Arunachal Pradesh and revolutionary leader who did not like the British supremacy. So, he gathered young Adi warriors of the Arunachal Pradesh to resist the British expedition. He and his Adi warriors killed so many British officials. During the resistance of a British expedition, he was captured and sentenced to lifetime imprisonment.

Moji Riba

Moji Riba was born in 1911 in Dari village to Gomo Riba and Nyapu Riba. In school, he learned about Assam’s freedom fighters and Mahatma Gandhi. British officials mistreated Galo people, not letting them move or trade freely in Assam. In World War II, British forced Galo Hills people to be porters. Moji opposed this and gathered leaders at Dari village to stand against the British. A meeting was held in Dipa village in 1946 where Moji became General Secretary of Dipa Congress Committee. He traveled to villages, spreading Congress flags, caps, and pamphlets. P.L.S. James, a British official, got worried and arrested Moji. He was in jail for over two months until Governor Akber Hydari advised James to release Congress activists. Moji settled in Dari village. 

Tripura

Tripura’s freedom fighters were instrumental in organizing mass protests, strikes, and boycotts against the British. Leaders like Shantibhushan Nag, Tripura Chandra Sen played an important role in raiding the Chittagong armoury.

Shantibhushan Nag

Shanti Bhushan was inspired by Surya Sen, popularly known as ‘Mastarda’, a rebel group to raid the weapon store of the British. Shanti Bhushan was one among the rebel and one of the most masterminds of Chittagong Armoury Movement in 1930.  He played a significant role in the Chittagong armoury raid. During a fight with the British, he got hurt in the head by a bullet, but he was able to run away. He also spent a long time in jail in 1930 because of his involvement in the Civil Disobedience movement. His brother, Phani Bhushan, also joined the movement when he was still in school. He was imprisoned in Comilla jail until he got released and sent back to Agartala.

Tripura Chandra Sen

Born to Nibaranchandra Sen, Tripura Chandra Sen was tall, strong, and had a bright complexion, which made him stand out. Tripura Chandra joined the revolutionary group in Chattagram during his early teens. His appealing appearance and his ability to get along with everyone led him to become the Brigadier of the revolutionary volunteer force.  Alongside fellow revolutionaries, Tripura Chandra participated in the armory raid in 1930, followed by the Jalalabad War. This battle was against the Surma Valley Light Horse and the Eastern Frontiers’ Rifles, which consisted of 1500 Gorkha soldiers. Tripura Chandra valiantly defended their position but unfortunately lost his life in the process.

Sikkim and Darjeeling

The role of Sikkim and Darjeeling in India’s freedom struggle is a unique blend of cultural and political contributions. Sikkim, while not an official state of India during the colonial period, was not untouched by the spirit of independence. The people of Darjeeling played an active role, voicing their support through strikes and rallies. 

Trilochan Pokhrel

A Gandhian from East Sikkim region, Trilochan Pokhrel, also called ‘Vande Pokhrel,’ was highly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and his principles of non-violence. He joined Gandhi’s movements like the ‘Non-Cooperation Movement,’ ‘Civil Disobedience Movement,’ and ‘Quit India Movement.’ Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Pokhrel gave up worldly comforts and wore cotton Dhoti, with a pair of Khadau (slippers made of wood). He played a vital role in spreading the ideas of Swadeshi movement and civil-disobedience of Mahatma Gandhi among the Sikkimese peasantry. He was the first Sikkimese person to fight against the British rule. He played a big role in the Indian Independence Movement in North Bengal & Sikkim.

Helen Lepcha

Helen Lepcha, also known as Sabitri Devi, was part of Gandhiji’s Non-Cooperation Movement and came from the indigenous Lepcha Community. She got involved in the Charkha and Khaddar movement in 1917. She helped during the Bihar flood in 1920 and caught Mahatma Gandhi’s attention. He invited her to Sabarmati Ashram, where she became known as Sabitri Devi. Sabitri Devi was important in the freedom struggle in West Bengal and Bihar. In 1921, she led a big group of coal mine workers in a procession in Calcutta, where famous freedom fighters were also present. She helped Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose escape from internment in Kurseong. In 1942, she was active in the Quit India Movement.

Dal Bahadur Giri

Dal Bahadur Giri also “Gandhi of the Hills” was the first Chairman of the Darjeeling Congress Committee. He started his political journey in Sikkim, working as a head clerk in the Royal Palace. In 1918, he attended a three-day session of the Indian National Congress in Calcutta. He met Mahatma Gandhi and Deshbandhu Chitranjan Das there. After the session, he came back as a changed man. In 1921, he went to a meeting organized by the Deputy Commissioner at the local Rink House. He caused a disturbance by standing up against the Deputy and was cheered by the crowd for his bravery. He was jailed on January 27, 1921, becoming the first Gorkha Gandhian freedom fighter to be imprisoned.

Today, as we celebrate the fruits of our ancestors’ labor, it is vital to remember that the road to freedom was paved with countless sacrifices from every corner of the nation. The Northeastern states including Sikkim and Darjeeling contributed significantly to India’s freedom struggle, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and an unbreakable spirit that continues to inspire generations.