The East Asian Front: Revolutionary Allies in Exile
Rash Behari Bose was not alone. Several freedom fighters had taken refuge in East Asia and played vital roles in the Indian independence movement. Baba Amar Singh, based in Thailand, and Baba Usman Khan, who operated from Shanghai, were two prominent figures. In his later years, Baba Amar Singh mentored a young revolutionary, Giani Pritam Singh, training him in the cause of freedom. Baba Usman Khan established a revolutionary party in Shanghai and carried out extensive anti-British propaganda.
In 1941, when Japan occupied Thailand, the 'Thai-Indian Cultural Centre' evolved into a political hub for the independence movement. It was renamed the 'Indian National Council' and was founded by Swami Satyananda Puri, a follower of Swami Vivekananda. This council later became the 'India Freedom League,' with its branches spreading across East Asian countries.
Formation of the Azad Hind Sena
On December 8, 1941, as the Japanese army advanced into Malaysia, the 14th Punjab Regiment resisted briefly before surrendering. Just two days later, Giani Pritam Singh and Major Fujiwara of the Japanese Army met with Captain Mohan Singh, a senior officer of the Punjab Regiment. After a detailed discussion, Mohan Singh agreed to join the Indian freedom movement. Along with 54 fellow soldiers, he pledged to risk his life for India's independence. Thus, on December 10, the symbolic foundation of the 'Azad Hind Sena'—or Indian National Army (INA)—was laid, with Mohan Singh taking charge as the General Officer Commanding. Captured Indian soldiers were then encouraged to join this newly formed army. The Japanese, having taken over Singapore on February 15, 1942, handed over British Indian soldiers to the INA. Major Fujiwara declared Japan's willingness to support India's freedom cause, saying, “Although you are technically British nationals, it was not your choice. If you now refuse it, Japan will see you as a friend!”
Rallying Support from Indian Communities in the East
Captain Mohan Singh issued a powerful appeal to Indians living across East Asia: “The British rule is coming to an end. They are retreating from Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, and Singapore. Now is our time to fight for the freedom of Bharat Mata. Join the Azad Hind Sena!” The response was overwhelming—over 30,000 soldiers joined voluntarily, and Singapore became the headquarters of this newfound army.
A pivotal meeting on March 9, 1942, in Singapore saw representatives from Thailand, Malaysia, Shanghai, and Hong Kong in attendance. M.J. Kimani was appointed Major General and later served as aide-de-camp to the supreme commander, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Another key meeting in Bangkok on June 15 resulted in a resolution urging Japan to recognize India's full independence. An executive council under Rash Behari Bose was formed, including General Mohan Singh, Raghavan, KPK Menon, and Colonel G.Q. Gilani.
Tensions with Japanese Authorities and INA Leadership Crisis
Despite initial momentum, the executive council found itself sidelined. The Japanese government began to meddle in INA's internal matters, leading to friction. General Mohan Singh, frustrated by this interference, distanced himself and was eventually arrested in December 1942. He was held on an island until December 1943 and released only in 1946. In the meantime, Rash Behari Bose organized a three-day East Asia Indian Conference in Singapore starting on April 27, 1943. The conference sidelined INA officers and members of Indian National Associations, concentrating power solely in Rash Behari Bose's hands.
The arrival of Netaji and the Provisional Government
On December 31, 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose set foot on the Andaman Islands—land sanctified by generations of revolutionary sacrifices. In January 1944, Netaji moved to Rangoon, establishing another center of the Provisional Government. The Burmese Indian population enthusiastically supported the INA, donating generously to Netaji's war fund. From auctioned garlands to donations of land, gold, and even homes, people poured their hearts into the freedom movement. One man, Habib from Rangoon, donated property and jewelry worth crores and was honored with the 'Sevak-e-Hind' medal by Netaji.
INA's Military Campaign: A Second War of Independence
The INA began military operations from Thailand to the Burma-India border. On February 4, 1944, the INA fired its first shot in the Arakan region—marking the beginning of India's second war of independence. On March 18, the INA crossed into Indian soil for the first time and reached Moirang in Manipur. Colonel S.V. Malik's unit hoisted the Azad Hind flag there on April 14, symbolizing the first time Indian forces liberated Indian territory. Today, Moirang stands as a revered site, complete with a museum and a towering bronze statue of Netaji.
On April 8, the INA captured Kohima Fort and the Dandu area on the Dimapur-Kohima road. By April 13, they had surrounded Imphal and launched a major attack on April 18. The Battle of Tumula for Imphal followed on April 22 and extended into May. Under British General Mountbatten, the enemy mounted a fierce defense. The monsoon rains, beginning on June 1, turned the tide.
The Retreat and the Final Appeal
Flooding disrupted INA's supply lines and communications. By June 27, the siege of Imphal had to be lifted. With superior numbers and better resources, British forces launched a counterattack. Despite extreme hardships, INA soldiers fought with unwavering courage for five months. On August 4, 1944, Netaji made a passionate radio appeal to Mahatma Gandhi from Rangoon. He said:
“India's last war of independence has just begun. Now the troops of Azad Hind Sena are fighting on our soil of India with great courage and adventure... O father of our nation, we seek your blessings and best wishes in the holy struggle for India's liberation and freedom. Jai Hind!”
But just as victory was within reach, the INA was overpowered by torrential rains and superior enemy weaponry. Their campaign ended in retreat, but their legacy remained indelible.
Conclusion: The story of Rash Behari Bose, Subhas Chandra Bose, and the INA is not just about battles and bombs; it is about undying resolve. It was a saga of patriots scattered across East Asia, uniting under one goal—to see a free India. Their sacrifices, though not always victorious on the battlefield, fueled the final fires of resistance against British imperialism. Their legacy lives on, not just in history books, but in the hearts of every Indian who dreams of freedom with courage.