IMPHAL, Sept 8: The International Guild of Battlefield Guide has recently recognised Manipur as an International War Tourism Destination. The recognition was declared along with the conferment of its membership to Rajeshwar Yumnam and Arambam Angamba, co-founders of 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation, Imphal.
According to an official source of the foundation, the recognition and the conferment of the membership to the duo is in recognition of the research and activities carried out by the foundation pertaining to the battles of the 2nd World War fought in Manipur, also collectively known as the Battle of Imphal.
The Battle of Imphal has been acknowledged as Britain’s Greatest Battle by the National Army Museum, UK.
Rajeshwar and Angamba are the first Asians to be taken in as official guides of the International Guild. The Guild, which is also the official tour partner of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), was established to analyse, develop and raise awareness and practice of battlefield guiding.
It may be mentioned that the Imphal Campaign Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in Imphal, has been undertaking research and excavation works at various battlefield sites of the World War II. The Foundation has been running a museum – Imphal War Museum, showcasing the relics and artifacts excavated from the battlefield sites.