IMPHAL June 22: From a historical perspective World War II battles in Imphal can be viewed for the positive consequences as it marks the end of colonialism, despite the sufferings endured. It was a liberating phase for the entire colonized world which indeed shaped the façade of modern Manipur, expressed State Works and Transport minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh.
He was speaking as the chief guest during the ceremony of the 71st Anniversary Battle of Imphal World War II at Manipur State Film Development Society.
Our experiences and rich exposures have been enhanced by the team which relentlessly continues to rediscover the places and relics of the battles, he said.
It has also expanded our knowledge and significance of the battles fought in our land and increased the tourism potential, he said and at the same time jubilantly highlighted the progress made in air and land connectivity of the State with the outside world.
The dream of becoming an ultimate tourist destiny is becoming a reality due to the concerted efforts of all concern, he asserted.
The government will continue to extend all possible help to explore the opportunities and potentials of tourism in Manipur, he added.
The function was jointly organized by Manipur Tourism Forum, 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation, Department of Tourism.
It was also attended by Parliamentary Secy (YAS & Tourism) M Prithviraj Singh; Director Tourism Shyam Lal Poonia and Manipur Tourism Forum president Dr Th Dhabali Singh.
A memorial stone was erected today at Keithelmanbi Military colony to mark the three-month long Imphal siege in 1944.
Delivering the keynote address, 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation founder Yumnam Rajeshwar said `Described as one of the greatest battles of the Second World War, the decisive battles of Imphal and Kohima during World War II were named as Britain`™s greatest battles in 2013 by the National Army Museum in England.`
For the last six years, Second World War Imphal Foundation has researched exhaustively through classified war dairies, war maps, war memos and excavating battle sites. Thus, discovering more battle sites and since the last two years we are recognized as a branch of the Burma campaign society London, he asserted.
He said, our group has been recognized as a fore runner in promoting State Tourism.
Last year the commemorating celebration of 70th anniversary was held for more than three months and was attended by several dignitaries including ambassadors and diplomats from various countries, he said adding that this was a leap to showcase Manipur as a war pilgrimage destination.
Narrating the events that led to the three months long Imphal siege he said, all the military requirements like food, clothing, medicine, fuel, armaments were either airdropped or air supplied according to official records.
In addition to these 12000 reinforcements were flown in and 10000 sick and wounded were flown out. 150 loaded aircrafts were flown in daily to assist the military during the period through the six airstrips. This scale of air supply is considered as one of the greatest air supplies during the Second World War. Such was the scale of the battle which occurred in the State 71 years ago, he said.
He related, on this day in 1944, a patrol of the first battalion 17 Dogra Regiment under the Fifth India Division marched north from Imphal to meet the patrol of the Second column light infantry of the British Second Division moving south from Kohima.
They met at Keithelmanbi and Imphal Dimapur road was thus reopened ending the three month long siege, he said.
The place was accurately established through official photographs newly discovered aerial recognized images. It marks the defeat of the Japanese as well as the road reconnection for Imphal, he said.
There are about 18 surviving war veterans in the State and we are privileged to be joined by six of them today namely Lalbiaka Lushai, Manjathang Zou, Lalminthang, Thangsham Baite, Mangjathang and Lalhmingthanga Lushai. They are all above 90 years and came all the way from Churachanpur, he said.
They were honoured with mementoes on the occasion. Silent condolence was also held for all the departed soldiers of the 2nd World War. Video messages across the world were shown and the film `Imphal 1944`™ by Junichi Kajioka was also screened on the occasion.