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= Mao Naga Labour Corps (1917-1918) =

Introduction
During the First World War (1914-1918) millions of Labour Corps were recruited from the colonized nations for labour at the West Frontier in Europe and other parts at the war front. In the early 1917 His Highness King George V through the Secretary office, London inquired for labourers for the War Front to the Secretary of State in India. Then British India had sent thousands of men to discharge for labour at the war front. It had asked 50,000 men from the Tribes of India but it could send only 20,000 men including form the then British Northeast India. From Manipur, 2000 men were recruited as Indian Labour Corps for France, and formed 22nd Indian Labour Corps was formed by Manipur Labour Corps, and hence 22nd Manipur Labour Corps (Reid, 1983:162).

Recruitment of Mao Naga Labour Corps:
The Mao Naga tribe had sent 600 labour corps to France on 1st May 1917 as part of the 22nd Manipur Labour corps, comprising 500 men of the 39th Labour Company and 100 men of the 65th Labour Company. Colonel H.W.G. Cole the Political Agent of Manipur, including Shana Chaoba was in charge of the Mao Naga labour corps recruitment. According to Sanuo Ashuli (Dubashi) the recruitment for France Labour Corps in Mao Naga was carried out by Shana Chaoba from Imphal (Nepuni, 2010: 61.) Then Moghobo Adani was the official Dubashi at Mao. He later went to France as a leader and Dubashi/ Interpreter from the Mao Naga labour corps.

The 22nd Manipur labour corps was bifurcated into four companies consisting of 500 men called Indian Labour Company (ILC). The 39th ILC was formed by Mao Naga. 40th by Kuki-mostly non Thadou, 65th by Mao Naga, Tangkhul Naga and others, and 66th by Tangkhul Naga. For the other companies, mobilization, physical training, medical check were conducted at Imphal but the Mao Naga Labour corps were mobilized at Mao Thana and proceeded to France after imparting the physical training at Mao. Kalinamei (Kahremei) Village had sent the largest Labour corps to France consisting of more than 40 men and was followed by Punanamei (Rubvümei) village with 37 men.[1] As mentioned in discharged Certificates, Western Mao Naga (Shüpfomei) formed 39th Indian Labour Company and the Eastern Mao Naga (Shüpfomei, now Poumai) formed a part of 65th Labour Company.

In 1869, Major M. Mc Culluch mentioned that each Mao villages have no less than 100 houses and there was only one village which numbers 400 houses (Culloch, p.69). Kahremei (Kalinamei) village was then the biggest village among Maos as neighbouring-far villages would call them as Kahre Kajüna (plainly as big village). During the Great First World War in 1917, Kahremei sent 40 (+) men as Labour Corps to France, the largest from Shüpfomei villages perhaps the largest contingent from a village for Manipur Labour Corps. During World War II in 1944, the British Allied force bombed completely this big Kalinamei village on suspicion of Japanese forces (accompanied by some INA (Azad Hind Fauj) moving around in the area. Japanese force had very well established their transit camp in-around Kaibi, and planned to move to Kohima-Kheebomei.

So officially, the first battle between the British and the Japanese took place between Charangho Arü and Charangho Akhrü. On cloudy day, a turning hill lock road, the British were coming down by motors and the Japanese forces were going up on horses towards Tadubi, they met each other by surprise and heavy gun battle took place for few days. Many lives were lost. Due to lack of reinforcement, British lost the Charangho battle in 1944. The Japanese hoisted their flag for the first time at Tadubi hillock (now Mao-Maram Higher Sec. School) after driving out the British from their camp. Mr. Hrükheni Sani was then serving in Indian army and was given in-charge of rosom/food supply in Japanese fortified station at Tadubi. Mr. Hekheni Sani was given in-charge of Japanese rosum/food supply as Japanese fortified their station at Tadubi. Beside English, many villagers were able to communicate Japanese language fluently as they have to deal in daily affairs in Japanese, not in English alone[1].

Mao Thana (Mao Gate)
From the time of British Administration in latter half of the 19th century onwards, Mao was always considered exclusive and very important part of the administration for the reasons best known to them, perhaps for British due strategic importance. It is one of the oldest Hill statiion in Northeast India. Mao Inspection Bungalow was built by the British Royal Engineers in 1897 and the journey of 600 men of Mao Naga Labour Corps started from here. The Inspection Bungalow has been a tansit house to the then First Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru along with his daughter Mrs. Indira Gandhi in 1952 and addressed the Mao public. Again in 1953, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Mr. U. Nu, the then Prime Minister of Burma (Mynmar) were given warm reception by the Mao Public on their way to Kohima. Mao Gate remains one of the oldest Hills station in the region (Centenary Sourvenir, 2018, p. 2)

Since some ancient and big villages are closely knitted together near Mao Thana/Inspection Bungalow region; to maintain peace in this region was utmost important. The Christian Missionary William Pettigrew came to Mao in 1894(5) but he could stay for not more than six months. He started LP school and a health centre but then the Dubashi Sani Kapani (1889-1915) at Mao and Chiefs (King-Movuo) refused to entertain him for fear of breaking their customary laws and Pfope Zhi practices (Down, 1971, p. 77, 180-81). But in 1903, William Pettigrew managed to start again a Lower Primary School at Mao in his capacity as State School Inspector (Down, 1971, p.181), but the School was destroyed during WW II. Exclusive administrative care had been always been accorded to Mao for maintenance of peace with the people and with their traditional beliefs and customary laws. And so even during the recruitment of the Mao Naga Labour Corps in 1917, the whole process from training to physical check up etc was conducted at Mao Thana.

Journey and Composition of Naga Labour Corps:
The Mao Nagas Labour Corps walked from Mao Thana (Shühra chuchü) to Dimapur on foot and were transported by trains in India and by ships to Europe via the Arabian Sea, Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea. Mao Naga Labour Corps spent a month at the gulf of Taranto (Italy) to overcome sea sickness. The Italian welcomed them and told “if you are Meitei we will give them meal but you are Nagas from Hills, we will show you a War dance” (Centenary Souvenir, 2018, p.27). They finally reached at Marseilles by train, and were further transported by trains for work assignment in the battle fields of the Western Front.

21st Naga Labour Corps was from Naga Hills (Nagaland), composed of:

Semas (Sumi)   …………………………………………………. 1,000

Lhothas (Lothas)…………………………………………………    400

Rengmas ………………………………………………………….. 200

Changs and other Trans-fronntier tribes…………………………... 200

Aos ………………………………………………………………… 200

_______

Total:            2,000[1]

22nd Manipur Labour Corps were from Manipur Hills Areas/Tribes. They are:

Mao Naga …………………………………………………………  600

Tangkhul Naga ……………………………………………………  750

Kuki (mostly non-Thadou tribes)…………………………………. 500[i]

Others……..………………………………………………………. 150

__________

Total:             2,000[2]

The second phase of recruitment for Labour Corps started by end of 1917 and around 817 men from the Naga Hills was waiting to go to France. However, they were diverted to the Kuki operations in January 1918. The draft consisted of:-

60 Lothas

90 Semas

120 Aos

60 Kukis and Kacha Nagas

480 Angamis[3]

The Mao Naga labour corps died on duty was buried at different War cemeteries in France. Even though the mortal remains could not reach their native home, their names are written on tomb stone to be lived forever. Ashukho Pfokreni of Kalinamai (Kahremei) died at Guwahati on the journey to France. But his traces are not known till date. The Mao Naga labour corps served for humanity in the Great First World War for a period of 13th months till they were discharged from their service on 30-06-1918 and certificates issued dated 18th July 1918.

Another prominent person who is remembered as leader from among the Mao Naga Labour Corps is Athisü Puni (Ebvemei). He went at the prime of his youth to France in 1917. Later in 1948 he became the first president of the Mao-Maram Tribal Council. He was one of the leaders along with Mr. Athikho Daiho went to Delhi in 1953. 30 men of Mao Naga dance troops represented Manipur in the Republic Day celebration and they were also hosted by the then Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and stayed on till the beating retreat. As a true Naga, whenever he was invited to visit Delhi Mr. Athisü Puni always wore Naga kilt (lotto mani) and shawl on his shoulder as seen in pictures. On account of his adept leadership and selfless services, he was gifted a sizable area of land in 1940s situated between Kalapahar and Kangpokpi/Kashülei. He had a dream of a village of “Shüpfo Choro Tamei” (a dwelling village of Mao/Poumai/Maram/Thangal). He migrated to the gifted land at Daili village with his family and started a new beginning ( https://morungexpress.com/france-li-kata-ko-mao-naga-labour-corps-first-world-war ). On one fateful night in 1961, goons from the refugee community intruded his house and looted many valuable things including Labour Corps medal and certificates.

Labour at the War Front:
John S. Kapanee IAS (First Mao Naga/Manipur direct IAS, 1966 batch) writes that “the duties given to the Nagas were as follows:

1.      To dig trenches for the army of the Allied Nations for the purpose of fighting the Germans and their allies and check their advance.

2.      To pick up dead bodies from the battle-fields and bury them in the graves dug and prepared by them

3.      To construct new roads and railway lines for the purpose of transporting war materials and other essential things for the war.

4.      To clear the snow from the railway lines and roads during winter when the snow fell.

5.      To load and unload various supplies including arms and ammunition for the war front.

6.      To construct temporary houses barracks and air-raid shelters for the army personnel of the Allied Forces.

7.      To unroll telephone wire and fixed them on erected post.”

Again John S. Kapanee IAS writes the experiences the Mao Naga Labour Corps narrated to him when he was reading in primary school. “Another interesting thing what the Nagas, who went to participate in First World War in Europe, observed and learnt, was the Christian life. They saw magnificent cathedrals and churches and they saw how the French and other Europeans went to the worshiping building on every Sunday in order to worship the Almighty God. They also observed how the priests and pastors of Christians took part in burying thousands of dead bodies brought from the battle fields in the grave they prepared, and how the ministers of the churches blessed the dead bodies and prayed for the departed souls for their eternal peace.” (Centenary Souvenir, 2018, pp.88-90)

War Cemetery in France:
Mao Naga Labour Corps died while on duty at the War Front. List of some of the Mao Naga Labour Corps (22nd Manipur Labour Corps) buried in different cemeteries in France:

1.      20, Kahrai Daili, died on 14.1.1918, 39th Labour Company, St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen.

2.      101, Ariji Shiva (Shibo), died on 15 August 1917, 39th Labour Company, Hautve Avesnes British Cemetry.

3.      190, Akhil Pukhini, died on 4.5.1918, 39th Labour Company, Barly French Military Cemetary.

4.      169, Asuash Kaisho, died on 12.12.1917, 39th Labour Company, Neuve-Chapelle Memorial.

5.      219, Larro Puni, died on 18.7.1917, 39th Labour Company, Mazarques War Cemetary, Marseilles.

6.      227, Shiro Kokho, died on 11.4.1918, 39th Labour Corps, Mazarques War Cemetary, Marseilles.

7.      116, Kamu Ashasha, died on 12.3.1918, 39th Labour Corps, Mazarques War Cemetary, Marseilles.

8.     119, Kapani Ashiho, died on 3rd December 1917, 39th Indian Labour Coy.

Return from France
After returning from France, many gave feast of merit (Zhoso mozü) and constructed honoured  housed with wooden curved buffalo horn shape. (Chüki kada) and worn Khepi Kadesa. It is taboo-Chüno to wear any of these shawls to this day unless such feast of merit is offered to the village people. Of which rituals and procedures are very meticulously followed. In “The Administrative Report of Manipur State for the year 1918-1919” Gimson I.C.S, reported that peace was celebrated both in the Valley and in the Hills. In the valley sports and races were held, and a torch light procession and fireworks were arranged. In the Hills feasts were provided at Mao, Chura chanpur and Ukhrul in celebration for peace and returns of the France Labour Corps (Gimson, 1919, p.2). Hosting feast of merit (Zhoso mozü) was greatly appreciated. Elders told that much of the experience to France was the talk even at Morung: (Khuchozü-Male dormitory and Lochozü-Female dormitory).

Conclusion
The France Labour corps returnees brought with them many things such as pen, cups, spoons, umbrella, coins, knife, cooking pot, plates, cloths and of course the medals and certificates given to them. Some of them became literate in due course of the journey to France and learnt English, French and Hindi/Urdu. “On the desk just above the Mao contingent were the Sikhs. There was no love lost between them, and were often engaged in duels with their belts.” Centenray Souvenir, 2018, p. 97). They had lots of laugh and fun on the ship. “You folks”, “you bloody” “discipline” “come here” “order” etc  became common terms in the society.  Sibo Hrüpuni of Robvemei went to France at a young age, and he got nickname Johnny in France, and since then he was called Johnny till his death. 1n 1950s and 1960s even Indian armies Colonel, Major and Captain were surprise to meet many veterans of France Labour Corps in Mao wearing gallantry medals of the Great First World War. One of memorable experiences; when Mr. Johnny heard that Colonel had come to Pfosemei Village, he  put on his medal and went to meet Colonel and on recognizing a WW I veteran, Colonel immediately saluted him and latter gifted him a bottle of Rum. [1] Reid (1983), p. 162.

[2] Centenary Souvenir, 2018, Mao Naga Labour Corps (1914-1918), p. 87.

[3] Reid, p. 63.

References:

1. Centenary Souvenir, 2018. “Mao Naga Labour Corps (First World War 1914-1918), Published by the Office of the Documentation Committee of the Mao Naga Labour Corps. Editors: Dr. F. Ariina, Dr. D. Neli, Dr. A. Kaisü and Dr. C. Maninee.

2. Down, F.S, “The Mighty Works of God” 1971, Christian Literature Centre, Guwahati.

3. Gimson, I.C.S, “The Adminstrative Report of Manipur State fr the year 1918-1919”, Imphal: State Printing Press, 1919.

4. Gimson, I.C.S, The Adminstrative Report of Manipur State for the year 1919-1920”, Imphal: State Printing Press, 1020.

5. M. Mc Culloch (1969), “An Account of the Valley of Munnipor and the Hills Tribes.”

6. Nepuni, William, “Socio-Cultural History of Shüpfomei Naga Tribe: A Historical Study of Ememei, Lepaona, Chüluve and Paomata generally known as Mao-Poumai Naga Tribe), New Delhi: Mittal Publication, 2010.

7. Reid, Sir Robert, “History of the Frontier Areas Bordering on Assam: from 1883-1941,” Eastern Publication House, Delhi, 1983.

8. Source: Mao Naga elders: O. Kathipri, Asosü Ashukho, Kreni Dili, Heni Adani, Kaisü Lohrü, Piphi Sani, Asosü Khrehe (Pateili), N. Saleo (Kakhri), N. Salew (Makhel), Sani Adani, Dr. A. Daili, J.K. Heni, Piphi Kholi, Puni Matia, Puni Adaphro.. etc.

9. https://morungexpress.com/france-li-kata-ko-mao-naga-labour-corps-first-world-war

10. Experiences narrated by Children of France Labour Corps 1917-1918, told to them by their fathers. [1] This was narrated by elders, who witnessed WW II in their villages as young boys in twenties.

[1] Meeting was held at Kapegho in 2000, to recount First World War Mao Naga Labour Corps to France. This was shared by Ashukho. It is learnt that the complete hand written 600 names in the list was taken to Imphal for typing but in due course of time, unfortunate upheaval occurred in Imphal in 2001. List got displaced while shifting property. Prior to this also, elders had held meetings and deliberated few times about the Mao Naga France Labour Corps.