The Indian National Army (INA) War Museum in the INA Memorial Complex in Moirang is the only official museum dedicated to the Second World War in Manipur today. Its focus is primarily on the rise of the INA and on the role and activities of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in particular.
Relics of war from across Manipur dating back to 1944, including arms and ammunition, bayonets, helmets and bottles among others are displayed in the museum. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian flag at Moirang for the very first time on April 14, 1944. He was credited with founding the Indian National Army (INA) or the Azad Hind Fauj, whose purpose was to liberate India from the British with the help of the Japanese troops.
INA was first founded in 1942 and was later revived by Bose in 1943. Following the hoisting of the flag, Moirang became the headquarters of the INA and occupies a place in the historical annals of India's freedom movement. The INA memorial also houses a museum which contains some mementos and personal artifacts of people involved with the INA. It was prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru who first suggested that a memorial be set up to honour those who lost their lives and dedicated themselves to India's freedom struggle with Bose. The construction of the monument began in 1967 when there were reasonable funds collected from the state and central governments. The Netaji Library was completed on October 21.
How to reach
By Air
The Imphal Tulihal International Airport has flight services to all major destinations of the country.
By Train
The closest junction to Imphal is the Dimapur railway station which is located at a distance of 215 kilometers from Manipur
By Road
Guwahati to Imphal; (490.9 km) via NH 36 & NH39
Imphal to The Indian National Army (INA) Moirang (45.4 km) via NH 150
Best time to visit:
During Autumn & Spring