By Hangshing Chong
IMPHAL, April 5: In a place like Manipur, where entertainment avenues and open places for young people to meet and have some time together are hard to find,the historical World War II Cemetery at Dewlahland has become the next best place for youths to spend some time. With Imphal getting crowded by the day, people often prefer to flock to the war cemetery known for its vast free spaces and beautiful scenery topped with a peaceful silence to escape the hustle bustle of everyday urban life.
The memories and the remains of the World War II in Manipur at the War cemetry in Dewlahland is not only a reminder of Manipur`s part in the said phase of history but a poignant site that is the final resting place of soldiers of the Allied Forces who lost their lives fighting against Japanese forces in a land totally alien to their own.
But now, the war cemetery is fast becoming a hang out spot not only for the youth but for people of all ages with the lustrous green pasture and the peaceful silence being a major attraction.
However, it goes without saying that several quarters mostly parents, have raised concerns over the youngsters hanging out at the cemetery. Contrary to popular adult perception though , the war cemetery and its vast greenery provides the people with a place to catch up with friends without having to spend a penny. The open space also allows kids to practice extra-curricular activities like dancing and guitar playing.
“I come here to spend my leisure time instead of going to a crowded coffee shop and restaurant and stay away from the prying eyes of the orthodox crowd. I don’t come here to sit in cabins but to enjoy the breeze and chat with friends,” said a youth from Chingmeirong who did not want to be named.
The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commissions with its regional headquarter at Guwahati. The Imphal war cemetery has five staffs with three gardeners, one head gardener and a manager to preserve the site. Interestingly, the gate to the cemetery is kept locked but the grills of the gate are such that even adults can slide in between them. Many often climb on the gate to gain entry inside.
The Imphal war cemetery had 950 graves but after the war ended, the Army Graves Service brought in more graves from two smaller burial sites in other parts of Imphal and also from the surrounding areas. At present, the war cemetery at Imphal has 1603 graves in total, consisting of the soldiers from the common wealth countries while three graves from non-Commonwealth countries.
But any given day, a visit to the cemetery will dispel all notions of history or poignancy given the litter that people leave behind them and the groups of young couples huddled around the area.