Assam Rifles commemorates anniversary of Kameng battle

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, April 4, 2019: In the series of activities planned to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Battle of Imphal during World War-II, Mantripukhri Battalion of 9 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of IGAR (South) along with 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation and Manipur Tourism Forum organised a solemn ceremony at Napet Palli Ground near Lamlai, today.

The Battle of Imphal is referred to as one of the bloodiest battles of World War-II. Battle of Imphal was the decisive battle which blunted the Japanese offensive into India during World War-II. The battle in which more than three divisions were applied by the Japanese to capture Imphal valley was fought at various locations spread all over Manipur from March 8 to Jul 3, 1944. The main battle took place around the town of Imphal with the Japanese aiming to capture the British logistics base at Imphal and use the numerous airfield spread over the Imphal valley to further their offensive to the plains of Assam. The Battle was the turning point of the Burma campaign. Battles of Kohima and Imphal were voted by the British National Army Museum to be “Britain’s Greatest Battles”. Victoria Cross, the highest British decoration for bravery, were awarded to five people for their actions in Manipur during the Battle of Imphal.

The commemoration of Battle of Kameng commenced with Wreath Laying by Brig Amit Kabthiyal, Commander 9 Sector Assam Rifles at the newly erected Memorial Stone at the Kameng Hill to mark the supreme sacrifice and valour of the martyrs. Wreaths were also laid by ex-servicemen and other dignitaries. As part of the event, the students from the area performed dance and patriotic song in remembrance of the martyrs. World War- II veteran Sub Ningam Tangkhul (retired) and other ex-servicemen were honoured and felicitated by Brig Amit Kabthiyal who was the chief guest of the event. The event witnessed an overwhelming participation by over 300 people and included representatives from Manipur Tourism Department, World War – II Foundation Campaign, various other dignitaries from local areas, school children and ex servicemen.

The event also included a talk on the Battle of Kameng by Arambam Angamba Singh, Co-Founder of 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation. The rare and antique artifacts of the World War-II era were on display for the attendees to see. The display gallery at the venue highlighted the Battle of Kameng by various audio visual scenes, photographs, battle arrays, layout of the defences etc during the war at Kameng Hill. The school children who conducted the cultural programme were also felicitated during the event. Tea was organised for all the attendees during the interaction post the event.

The aim of the event was to re-live the memories of yester years, pay homage to the martyrs  and to make the younger generation aware about the sacrifices of our brave soldiers and contribution of the Manipuri people in saving the `Imphal Valley`.

In the series of events to commemorate 75th anniversary of World War-II, next event will be organised on April 7 at Koirengei and Imphal War Cemetery and on April 13 at Nungshigum, a press release said.