In January 1945, the
second campaign of the Indian National Army began, and at the Mingaladan Camp
in Rangoon, Netaji addressed the Second Infantry Regiment infusing the spirit
of enthusiasm and sacrifice amongst them.
He spoke:
“Last year the INA faced
the enemy on the battle-field for the first time. The deeds of the INA were
glorious: they were beyond any expectations and won the praise of both friend
and foe. We dealt the enemy a crushing defeat wherever we fought him. Without
being defeated we had, as a tactical move, to bring back our forces from the
Imphal front due to bad weather and other handicaps.
Now we have tried to
overcome these difficulties. But everyone should remember that our army is a
revolutionary army. We are not so well-equipped in manpower as our enemies are.
Our enemies have decided that they will fight their first battle for the
defence of India in Assam and they have made this area India's Stalingrad.
This year will be the
decisive year of the war. The fate of India's freedom will be decided near the
hills of Imphal and on the plains of Chittagong. Last year some of our men
joined the enemy. I do not want even a single man to go over to the enemy this
time when we go to the front. Therefore, if anyone thinks that he is incapable
of going to the front due to weakness or cowardice or for any other reason he should
report to his regimental commander and arrangements will be made to keep him at
the base.
I do not wish to paint a
very rosy picture to you. You will have to face hunger, thirst and other
hardships and even death when you go to the front. Because the enemy has made
the utmost preparations, we too shall have to mobilise all our resources.
In addition to the
present slogan of the INA, namely, 'Chalo Delhi,' another slogan will be added
from today, and that will be :‘Khoon, Khoon, Khoon!’, Blood, Blood, Blood! This
means that we shall shed our blood for the freedom of 40 crores of people of
India. Similarly, we shall shed the blood of the enemy for the same cause. The
slogan for Indian civilians who are in the south will be: 'Karo sab nichhawar,
ban sab faqir' (sacrifice everything and become paupers)."
Netaji ended his speech
with the slogan: " Inquilab, Zindabad,” "Chalo Delhi," and
"Blood, Blood and More Blood," which were repeated very loudly by
2,300 men of the Regiment as well as by the civilians present there.
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