'Battle of Bishenpur' Commemorated : 70th Anniversary Battle of Imphal

Imphal, June 12th, 2014 :

'Battle of Bishenpur' Commemorated on June 12th, 2014

"Battle of Bishenpur " , a fierce battle fought during 2nd World War at Bishenpur, the last line of defense for the Allied Force was commemorated today at Yangoi Ningthou Hall, Bishenpur Bazar, Bishenpur, Manipur. The function was jointly organised by the Manipur Tourism Forum and 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation as a part of the three month long observation of the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Imphal WW-II.

In the commemoration function Shri Laishram Lolindra Singh, Chairman, Bishnupur Municipal Council graced as the Chief Guest, Shri Onkhalun Haokip, Associate Professor, Presidency College, Modbung, Shri Neevaran Nongmaithem, Proprietor, Khuibo Tours & Travels as the Guests of Honour and Shri N. Ibungochoubi, Vice President, Manipur Tourism Forum attended as the President.

In his key note address Shri Arambam Angamba, co-convenor of the Organising Committee emphasised on the significance of organizing the function. He said, the town of Bishenpur on the southern side ofimphal plain was the last line of defense for the Allied Force. The 17th Division of the Allied force code named Black Cat had retreated along the Tiddim from Kalewa in Burma after being confronted by the Elite 33rd Japanese Division code named White Tiger under Lt. Gen. Yanagida. The elite effort to capture the town of Ningthoukhong which was a Japanese stronghold failed after many attempts. Fierce tank battle was fought in and around Ningthoukhong and Potsangbam which saw the award of two Victoria Cross to Turner and rifleman Ganju Lama.

'Battle of Bishenpur' Commemorated on June 12th, 2014

Chief Guest of the function also said about the importance of commemorating the event. He said such a commemoration would educate about the battle to the younger generation.

In his presidential speech, Shri N. Ibungochoubi said the commemoration has reminded all of us the importance of Manipur, as our tiny state was a host to thousands of people from all over the world during WW 2. The WW 2 assets and heritage, cemeteries, museums, battlefields of the State is drawing attention of the lakhs of relatives of war veterans, scholars and war historians. Now, we are required to take the rare opportunity to raise Manipur’s profile nationally and internationally as a WW2 tourism destination collectively.

The Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Battle of Imphal was inaugurated on March 23, 2014 and would be concluded on June 28, 2014. Before the grand concluding functions, the organizing Committee will commemorate the Lift of Imphal Siege/Milestone 109 on June 22 and Silchar Track on June 25.

(Santosh Shekhar)
PRO- 70th Anniversary Battle of Imphal (WWII)