74th Battle of Red Hill commemoration ceremony held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 29 2018:
The 74th anniversary of the Battle of Red Hill was commemorated today at India Peace Memorial, Maibam Lotpaching by 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation.
The function was attended by Bruce Bucknell, British Deputy High Commissioner to India along with his two officials, members of Indo-Japan Friendship Association, students of Manipur University and members from the local clubs and associations.
Floral tributes were paid at the memorial by all the people who participated in the commemoration.
It may be noted that the Battle of Red Hill also known as Point 2926, was one of the fiercest battles fought in Manipur during the Second World War.
The Japanese attacked and occupied parts of the Red Hill and Maibam village on May 21, 1944 .
Intense and historic battle followed for nine days between the Japanese and a combined British effort involving infantry, armour, artillery and air attacks, which ended on May 29, 1944 .
Bruce Bucknell, British Deputy High Commissioner to India also paid floral tribute at India Peace Memorial today.
Speaking on the occasion, Bruce conveyed that everyone should not forget all the soldiers from various nations and added that the younger generation of today does not like small conflicts that will create major conflict like the one which happen 74 years ago in Imphal.
The Secretary of 2nd WW Imphal Campaign Foundation read out a message send by Akiko Macdonald and Kenichi Okuyama.
Akiko Macdonald is the present Chairperson of Burma Campaign Society.
In her message, she remembered the soldiers who fought in the battle and prayed for their souls to rest in peace.
Kenichi Okuyama, former Deputy Mayor of Shonai, Japan conveyed that India, Great Britain and Japan should deepen their friendly relations and promote goodwill.
He sent his heartfelt message from the place where General Kotoku Sato of 31st Japanese division was born.
He sent his prayer and thoughts for all the war deaths of various nations.
2nd WW Imphal Campaign Foundation has been commemorating all the major battle locations that fought in Manipur for the last many years.
They have discovered major battlefield locations which were unknown to the general masses before.
They work for reconciliation and restoration of world peace.