Governor, CM join Battle of Red Hill event
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 29 2014:
As a part of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal, World War-II, an anniversary function of the Battle of Red Hill, also known as Point 2926 was observed today at Maibam Lotpa Ching, Nambol under the aegis of Ma-nipur Tourism Forum and 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation.
The function was graced by Governor VK Duggal, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and Nambol A/C MLA N Loken as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
The function was preceded by offering of floral tributes at India Peace Memorial located at Maibam Lotpa Ching which was led by Governor VK Duggal.
Chief Minister O Ibobi, MLA Loken and Japanese ci-tizen Mutshuhito too offered tributes at the memorial complex.
Speaking at the anniversary function, Ibobi stated that thousands and thousands of soldiers coming from different countries fought fierce battles in Manipur 70 years back.
Maibam Lotpa Ching or the Red Hill was one of the battle grounds.
A large num-ber of British, Japanese, Indian and Gorkha soldiers were killed in the Red Hill battle which was fought in the last part of May 1944 .
Not only for the erstwhile imperial powers, the Battle of Imphal is a very historical event for Manipur too, Ibobi stated.
It was the Battle of Imphal which introduced Manipur to different parts of the world, he said.
All 2nd World War related sites, relics, cemeteries, museums, memorials and battle fields would never fail to draw attention of different countries and their peoples.
Efforts of Manipur Tourism Forum and the 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation would be a big boost to the State Government's initiative to preserve different heritage sites, Ibobi stated.
Governor VK Duggal stated that India Peace Memorial located at Maibam Lotpa Ching is sacred memorial complex for the Japanese soldiers and soldiers of Allied Forces killed at the battle of Red Hill.
The war brought dramatic changes in Manipur.
A number of war weapons, aircrafts and airstrips were introduced in Manipur for the first time.
Even though Manipur is very small in terms of geographical area, more than 1.20 lakh soldiers came to Manipur and fought a fierce battle known as the Battle of Imphal.
The 70th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal being observed with support of the Government of Manipur underscore the strategic importance of Manipur in the world history.
A deeper research is needed to find out people of which nationalities took part in the battle and invite their representatives to such functions that may be held later.
If the battle sites and memorial complexes are properly preserved and developed, Manipur would become a pilgrimage for people belonging to different countries, the Governor stated.
He also appealed to the Chief Minister who is also in charge of Tourism Department as well as Art and Culture Department to observe the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal five years later with proper planning so that Manipur is recognised as a heritage site of World War II not only in India but across the world.