Relics of World War II era put on display
Source: The Sangai Express

Kakching, September 10 2018: The World War 2 Memorial Foundation, Manipur showcased various relics of World War II era in connection with the Kakching World War II Memorial Run held at Pallel Airfield located at the 28 Sector Assam Rifles Head Quarters premises, Kakching on Sunday.

Governor of Manipur Dr Najma A Heptulla who graced the program of Kakching World War II Memorial Run, Officers of Assam Rifles and many other enthusiastic of World War II history inspected the war relics during the exhibition.

In the exhibition, various rare relics of World War II used by both Allied Forces and Imperial Japanese Army as well as several photographs related with the war were displayed.

An Ivory Seal (Stamp) with a stamp-pad of Japanese Army, Japanese Occupational currencies, Artillery Shells, Ariska Rifles Type 38, Type 97 hand grenades, etc of the Imperial Japanese Army and 3 inches Mortar Shells, Anti-Aircaft ammunitions, Anti-Tank Shells, Wheels of Vicker Light Tank, different calibers of Artillery Shells used by the Allied Forces during the Imphal Campaign were exhibited.

Besides displaying some rare photographs of Indian National Army's Supreme Commander Subhas Chandra Bose, Commander of XIV Army General William Slim and Japanese Army's General Masakazu Kawabe, several other photographs including the then Pallel Airfield were also displayed during the exhibition.

While briefing the media persons, General Secretary (Administration) Lelen Haokip said that preserving of relics and battle sites of World War II in the State is the primary objective of the Foundation.

The Foundation have been visiting and excavating the battle sites particularly in and around the Shenam Pass where a fierce battles was fought between the Allied Force and Japanese Army with INA during World War II.

So far, many rare relics of the war were excavated from the battle fields while some other are generously donated by the villagers which were preserved and displayed in the temporary Museum located at Phaipijang near Pallel, he added.

While appealing the State government to develop a tourist spot and to set up a permanent World War II Museum at Shenam Saddle along Imphal-Moreh road in Tengnoupal District, the General Secretary also maintained that preserving and exhibition of the war relics were done not to glorify the war but to keep the history alive in order to impart the younger generation about the ill effects of war.

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