World War-II Battle of Motbung remembered with message of global peace
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 07, 2014: The Motbung battle, one of the historic battles of World War II fought on the soil of Manipur was remembered at a glittering function at L& S Ground, Motbung in Senapati district on Saturday.

The commemorative event was organised under the joint aegis of Manipur Tourism Forum and Second World War Imphal Campaign Foundation as part of the latter's week-long 70th Anniversary of Battle of Imphal (WW II).

Chairman of Motbung Village Authority SL Lamthang, Secretary General of organising committee of 70th Anniversary of Battle of Imphal (WW II) Dr.Kh.

Palin, General Secretary of Japan's Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India Tatsuo Nishimoto, Chairman cum Managing Director of Sumimoto Corporation Okihiri Katsuja and Yamasita Koji of Sumi Moto Corporation shared the dais on the occasion.

Delivering the keynote address of the commemorative event, Co-convenor of the organizing committee of 70th Anniversary of Battle of Imphal A Angamba mentioned that the Battle of Motbung took place between Allied Forces and Japanese Army basically to take control of the National Highway passing through this tiny village.

World War-II Battle of Motbung remembered with message of global peace

It was one of the fiercest battles of WW II fought on the soil of Manipur.

Around 15,000 soldiers of Indian National Army (INA) led by Subhash Chandra Bose and Japanese forces strongly resisted the incoming Allied Forces at Motbung in 1944. Dr Palin, Managing Director of Shija Hospitals & Research Institute, said, 'war is destructive and it makes people suffer a lot and hence human never forget the ugly face of war'.

He explained that the Japanese always want to erect memorial structures of their country's fallen soldiers of WW II here and they (Japanese) have a strong and natural desire to follow the footsteps of their forefathers who were brave soldiers of WW II.

People from Japan have been visiting Manipur as war tourists, he said and added that the Government of India has started focusing on development of tourism in the State with an aim of building close relationships with the immediate neighbouring countries like China and Myanmar.

Speaking on the occasion, Tatsuo Nishimoto said he was really charmed by the scenic beauty of the land of Manipur, and added that people of Manipur and Japan have similar look besides resemblances in cultures and style of housings.

Stating that for his country the sites of the battles are very important, Tatsuo assured that the Government of Japan will assist in developing the various battle spots of World War-II in Manipur.

Manipur is very for Japan due to various factors and Manipur will become a key note in the South East Asia in the near future.

He also expressed happiness that the relationship between India and Japan is fast improving over the years.

An aged Paokai Lhouvum, who is said to have been presented an aluminium water carrier at Phoibi village by Japanese soldier on their returned from Kohima after they were defeated in the battle by the British and its allied forces, donated the water carrier to the organizing committee on the occasion.

Similarly, one Haosat Singsit and Pastor Thangkholun Haokip also donated such water carriers of the Japanese soldier 70 years ago to the organizing committee.

The Japanese guests were seen touching the water carriers with great reverend.

Apart from war veteran family and relatives, village chiefs, leaders of various civil bodies, students from various educational institutions attended the commemoration.

The 70th Anniversary of Battle of Imphal (WW II) which began on March 23 will conclude on June 28 .