Sambhudhan Phonglo
Sambhudhan Phonglo [16 March (Saturday) 1850–12 February 1883] was an independent Indian freedom warrior fighting British colonial power in Assam.
Dihur Phonglo settlement, which existed on Mahur river bank (Dihur) was called after Sambhudhan Phonglo. Also on the river existed a tank called Sambhudhan-ni-dikhor, meaning Sambhudhan's tank.
His descendants remain in Cachar, Assam.
Early life
Phonglo was born in Longkhor near Maibang in the North Cachar Hills of what is today the Dima Hasao District. He was born reportedly on the Falgoon of Indian almanac. His father was Deprondao Phonglo and mother Khasaidi Phonglo. they had four younger brothers: Umakant, Ramakant, Ramcharan (alias Ramren) and Haisholong.
Phonglo spent his childhood at Longkhor, later moving over to Gonjung. Afterwards, he moved to Saupra, a small village near Nanadisa. As a young man, he moved to Semdikhor, near Mahur, where he married to Nasadi. Phoglo was reportedly tall, of fair complextion, with black eyes and large ears.
Opposition to British
The British acquired control of Southern Cachar and Northern Cachar in 1854. Instead of uniting both regions, they annexed them to Nagaon district. The territory was thus placed under a Junior Political Officer, headquartered at Asalu. In 1866, Nagaon and Naga Hills districts distributed the land. Thus, while parts of the Diyung Valley and the Kopili Valley were allocated to the Nowgong district, a substantial chunk joined the newly constituted Naga Hills region. The rest constituted North Cachar Hills area including exclusively the hilly areas.
Phonglo opposed them. He felt the British had no right to dominate Assam's people, and the territorial moves were intended to undermine them. Phonglo expressed the perspective that if the indigenous people lose freedom, they should not enable foreign power consolidate its position. Losing freedom was embracing slavery. It wouldn't be worth living as slaves under the aliens, as sufferings might be tolerated, but not enslavement.
Insurrection
Phonglo decided to foster a British insurrection. He visited North Cachar Hills frequently, promoting mass resistance, developing contacts, and organising followers. He was able to gather many youth to establish a revolutionary force. Phonglo appointed Man Singh as Chief Advisor, and Molongthong as Subordinate Commander.
Phonglo began training Maibang's militants. Villagers freely offered training centre services. Recruits were brought to Maibang in batches of 30-40.
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