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The Lushai Expedition of 1869 was an abortive punitive expedition against Sukpilal and Kanai Singh. It was arranged by the deputy commissioner of Cachar, John Edgar and led by Colonel Nuthall. Factors such as weather, unpreparedness and diplomatic overtures led to the retreat and failure of the expedition.

Background

Kanai Singh, a prince of Manipur had taken refuge among the tribes of the Cachar border and made an attempt to seize the throne of Manipur. Local authorities had suspected that Sukpilal had been aiding Kanai Singh in this endeavour. In 1869 a series of raids were committed by Lushai tribes on Cachar and Sylhet. Sukpilal was assumed by the British to be complicit in the raids. This was suspected due to Sukpilal wishing to divert forces from Manipur to aid Kanai Singh.

An increase in raids had also alerted British authorities. In November 1868, reports of Lushai attacks on Naga villages were made. In December, the magistrate of Sylhet reported that a village near Adampore was raided by Lushais. Sukpilal also raided a settlement under a chief named Rungbhoom in Hill Tipperah. As a result, Rungbhoom fled to Sylhet.

British suspicions were confirmed when Kanai Singh and Sukpilal jointly raided the tea estates of Monierkhal at Cachar in January 1869. Kanai Singh looted the money while Sukpilal's war party took several captives. The British authorities reconsidered their stance on the policy of conciliation with Lushai chiefs and decided on an alternative policy. The British also implicated Vonpilal in responsibility for the events.

Forward Policy

Authorities at Fort William took the stance of punishing Kanai Singh and the Lushai raiders. Dr Brown, the new political officer of the Kingdom of Manipur, was directed to advance with a contingent to check on Kanai Singh but not to use unnecessary violence. Browne was aided with the commissioner of Dacca to capture Kanai Singh.The government ordered that all possible punishment should be made upon chiefs who refuse to submit and surrender the captives of the raids.

Edgar advocated for a punitive expedition. He informed the authorities in the Government of Bengal his plan to start from Silchar to Sonai to arrest Kanai Singh. Edgar also outlined Brown's hesitation and unwillingness to participate in the expedition. However, the Raja of Manipur, Chandrakirti Singh aided Edgar with a 1000 man regiment on 2 February 1869.

Edgar continued to fight for a stronger response from the government. The cold season was about to end and authorities in Fort William did not consider large-scale military operations at such a time to be convenient. Browne withdrew his participation by citing removing himself from the capital would create panic among the Manipuris. Colonel Nuthall was supplied with a force consisting of the Sylhet Light Infrantry, the 7th Native Infantry, a Eurasian battery and strong detachments of the Cachar Frontier Police.

Three columns were established for the expedition of 1869. The West Dhaleswari Column was headed by William Frost Nuthall, the East Cachar Column was headed by Edgar and Major Stevenson and the Sylhet Column was headed by Mr Kimberly and Mr Baker. The forces set out in late February. Edgar's column surmounted many difficulties before reaching Bazarghat on 12 March 1869. The upas on Vonpilal reported to Edgar of Vonpilal's death and that his mother Impanee would make amends with the British. The upas also voiced concerns about Edgar's posturing when they were not responsible for raiding. The truth was that Sukpilal was responsible for the attack on the Sylhet border while the raids at Nowarbund and Monierkhal was attributed to a chief.Since Vonpilal's tribe was not responsible or hostile while thee season was coming to an end which would not allow the column to travel to distant tribes anymore. A show of force was made as an example at Impanee's village. An agreement was reached with the upas of Impanee and a premise to restore captives and refugees. Edgar retreated on account of realizing the mistake of using necessary force on reoffending chiefs. He returned to Silchar with his column.

Nuthall commanded his column to advance along the Dhaleswari river. From 26 January to 3 February, heavy rains followed, affecting the feasibility of traversing the Lushai Hills. The route became impractical after the week long rain. Nuthall's column was heavily affected by terrain changes from the heavy rain. The inconvenience greatly halted progress and failed to reach the Sylhet Column under Kimble. Kimble's Column rapidly advanced through the Lushai Hills and located Sukpilal's settlement. They navigated along the border of Hill Tipperah to Koilashur. The party visited Rangboom's village before travelling further. Kemble arrived at camp within sight of Sukpilal and Banaitangi's settlement on 16 March. On 17 March 1869, the column defeated some Lushai warriors from Sukpilal's settlement. Baker and Kimble retreated their force as there was no sign of Nuthall's force arriving to reinforce their position.

Conclusion of the expedition

The expedition's failure led to a few key realizations of the British authorities. The Lushai Hills was not properly mapped, and the unknown nature of its terrain was responsible for the failure. The columns lacked any form of communication between each other to coordinate their operations. The last point was that the expedition was undertaken in the wrong season. Furthermore, sickness among troops was common and factored in as a contribution to the failure. These lessons would contribute to the success of the Lushai Expedition of 1871. However, both Sukpilal and Kanai Singh were left unpunished.

Sir W Grey argued that unless the Lushai Hills were occupied with a garrison and permanent force, the Lushai chiefs would not cease raiding British estates and subjects. He cited the historical example of the Naga and Garo Hills political officers. However, the government of India objected to a renewal of active military operations against the Lushai chiefs. Lord Mayo in a meeting with W Grey declared that no military expeditions against the Lushais will be undertaken and that British subjects on the frontier will be strengthened and fortified with outputs and arming the settlements with weapons for self-defense.

References

1. Chatterjee 1990, p. 639.
2. Chatterjee 1985, p. 52.
3. ^ Mackenzie 1884, p. 301.
4. Chatterjee 1985, p. 52-53.
5. ^ Chatterjee 1985, p. 56.
6. Chatterjee 1985, p. 56-57.
7. Shaekspear 1929, p. 59. sfn error: no target: CITEREFShaekspear1929 (help)
8. ^ Chatterjee 1985, p. 57.
9. ^ Mackenzie 1884, p. 302.
10. ^ Chatterjee 1985, p. 59.
11. ^ Shakespear 1929, p. 59.
12. Chatterjee 1869, p. 59. sfn error: no target: CITEREFChatterjee1869 (help)
13. Mackenzie 1884, p. 303.

Sources

• Chatterjee, Suhas (1985). British rule in Mizoram. New Delhi: Mittal Publications.

• Mackenzie, Alexander (1884). History of the Relations of the government with the Hill Tribes of the North-East Frontier of Bengal. Calcutta: Home Department Press.

• Shakespear, L.W (1929). History of the Assam Rifles. London: Macmillan and Co, Limited.

• Chatterjee, Suhas (1990). Mizo Encyclopaedia. Aizawl: Jaico Publsihing House.