Autobiography: Haojathang Haokip | Freedom Fighter

 A BRIEF AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF SHRI HAOJATHANG HAOKIP
of Bethel, Churachandpur, Manipur

INDIA

I, Shri, Haojathang Haokip son of Late Ngamhao Haokip of Bethel, Churachandpur, Manipur was born in the year 1925 at Girihang village, Manipur East District.

At the beginning of World War II, the British Army set up Village Force in the first part of January, 1939 under the Command of Captain Barnard and Captain Moren. I joined this force and served in it for about seven (7) months. As I always loved freedom from a foreign rule, I deserted this Force and joined the famous Indian National Army in the month of August, 1939. I was attached to No. 3506 "C" Coy., 4-Platoon, Khikari Khikan and posted in the India-Burma Section and fought freedom battle at a number of places in Manipur-Burma region.

I was arrested in the month of July, 1944 by Captain Barnard, a British Army Officer at Homalin Sector (Burma) and incarcerated in Homalin Jail for 6 (six) months and 15 (fifteen) days and set free in January, 1945. Though I was free by that time I could not return to my sweet home at once as I was still a wanted person in Manipur, India. So, I have to spend my precious time for about 1 (one) month loitering in the jungle, doing nothing, like an exiled person.

In the year 1960 I was elected as a Block Development Committee (BDC) member from Phungyar Phaisat TD Block, Manipur East District and served in that capacity for 6 (six) years continuously, that is up to the year 1966. During my tenure as a BDC member, I was one of the selected person or member deputed to New Delhi to meet the then Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for discussing the problems faced by the Tribals of Manipur.

Lastly, I am now, a recipient of the India Freedom Fighters and their families Pension vide Government of India's Order No. 22/112/73-FF/INA(H-23) dated 27.12.1980.

In conclusion, I would like to mention a few words of my wishes that our freedom won through every hardships and sacrificing many noble souls may last for ever and ever.

JAI HIND

HAOJATHANG HAOKIP