'Lift of Imphal Siege' observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 22 2015 : As part of the year long observation of the 71st Anniversary Battle of Imphal World War- II, Manipur Tourism Forum (MTF), the 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation and Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur observed a commemorative ceremony of the 'Lift of Imphal Siege/ Milestone 109' at the Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC) hall today.

Battle of Imphal World War- II, took place from March 1944 till July 1944.Japanese armies attempted to destroy the Allied forces at Imphal and invade India, but were driven back to Burma.

The 'Lift of Impal Siege/ Milestone 109' is observed to celebrate the success of the British Army in driving back the Japanese Army after three months of continuous battle on June 22, 1944 .

As part of the observance programme, six war veterans from the State who took part in the battle among British Army were honoured with gifts.

Works and Transport Minister, Dr Kh Ratankumar was the chief guest while president of MTF Dr Th Dhabali was the functional president.

Parliamentary Secy (YAS and Tourism) M Prithviraj, Director (Tourism) GoM Shyam Lal Poonia, co-founders of 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation Y Rajeshwor, A Angamba and vice president of MTF N Ibungochoubi were the guests of honour.

The ceremony is observed to make the State a war pilgrimage site of the country to attract tourists from different parts of the world.

Speaking at the function, Poonia stated that the Department of Tourism can work to set up World War II museum with all the artifacts collected to attract local and international tourists.

He urged the organizations who are working in preserving and maintaining the rare artifacts to work tirelessly for the benefit of the State.

Manipur has so much of tourism potential and all sections of the State should work hand in hand with the Department to exploit this potential, stated Kh Ratankumar.

Further, he said that the State Government will not shy away from developing tourism and will do whatever it takes to make Manipur a tourist friendly place.

Such observation is one sure way to include Manipur in the tourism map of the world, added Prithiviraj.

He suggested that souvenir shops should be opened at strategic locations so that tourists can show the world that such events had happened in one of the remotest parts of the globe.

He asserted that Manipur is now at a critical juncture where tourists are pouring in to witness its magnificence while also urging the people to cooperate with the Tourism Department in making Manipur a tourist hot-spot.

With the observation of 'Lift of Imphal Siege/ Milestone 109' a short film "Battle of Imphal" in 1944 directed by Junichi Kajioka was screened.

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