Need to develop WWII memorial sites: Sanajaoba
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 21 2020: Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba today expressed his desire to preserve and develop the World War-II memorial sites in Manipur including the Imphal Peace Museum at Maibam Lokpa Ching and INA Moirang complex as tourist destinations.

He was speaking at the 77th anniversary commemoration of the proclamation of Arzi Hukumat-E-Azad Hind at UNACCO campus, Khongman Moirang Pandit Leikai.

The observance organised by the Azad Hind Fauj, Imphal Front was attended by Culture & Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel via video conference as chief guest, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba and Azad Hind Fauj, Imphal Front president Dr Sinam Rajen Singh as guest of honour and president respectively.

Need to develop WWII memorial sites: Sanajaoba

Stressing on the historical significance of the war memorial sites and museums, Leishemba said developing the INA Moirang and Maibam Lokpa Ching will attract tourists from other countries particularly from Japan and England.

He stated that according to historians, more than six thousand Japanese troops who fought against the British died at Maibam Lokpa Ching in WW-II.

Some of the fiercest battles of the war were fought in the region and the battle of Imphal was one of them, he added.

Significantly, during the war, the Azad Hind Fauj (INA-Indian National Army) fighting alongside the Japanese had hoisted the Indian tricolour at INA Moirang (14 April 1944).For this reason, the INA Moirang complex is known and such sites and documents related to the INA and the WW-II should be well preserved, he said adding developing these sites would promote tourism attracting visitors from outside countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Azad Hind Fauj, Imphal Front president, Dr Sinam Rajen dwelt on Subhash Chandra Bose and said the INA Moirang was the Headquarters of the Indian National Army.

However, not much of a recognition has been given to the INA Moirang, he said.

Asserting that the present history syllabi taught at school level do not cover much about Subhash Chandra Bose and the INA, Dr Rajen said there is need for inculcating the feelings of Nationalism and patriotism among the young students and youth.

During the observance, MP Leishemba Sanajaoba also opened a photo exhibition.

A technical session on "An overview on Manipur's contribution in India's struggle for Freedom from Azad Hind Fauj perspective" was held and resource persons spoke on "Delhi Chalo, Azad Hind Fauj in the Battle of Imphal, 1944" .