Under the Shadow of Death: Story of Japanese Occupation of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, popularly known as ‘Kala Pani’ comprise of 572 islands, only 36 being inhabited. The early history of these islands of exquisite beauty is shrouded in mystery. Occupied by East India Company towards the close of the 18th century, they were used by the British for a penal settlement after 1857. Prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment were kept in cellular jail. The real inhabitants of these islands are, however, some aboriginal tribes like the Great Andamanese, the Onge, Jarawas, Sentinelese, and Shompens, whose past is mysterious and future uncertain.The Japanese had made all preparations for the occupation of the islands a decade before actual occupation on 23rd March 1942. New hopes and desires of independence were enkindled in the minds of the Islanders. However, the duration of this period of friendship was extremely short, and people were soon caught in a grip of terror, resulting in atrocities, round-ups, and mass murders. Netaji’s visit also could not improve the situation.The nuclear attacks brought Japan to her knees and the Instrument of Surrender was signed at Port Blair on 9th October 1945. As a result of the war-crime courts, out of 16 accused, 6 were executed at Singapore and the rest were sentenced to various terms ranging from 7 to 25 years. The islands now enjoy the status of a union territory.