AR commemorates battle of Kameng
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 04 2019:
In a series of activities planned to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Battle of Imphal during World War-II, Mantripukhri Battalion of 9 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of IGAR (South) along with 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation and Manipur Tourism Forum observed 75 anniversary of battle of Kameng at Napet Palli Ground near Lamlai today.
The commemoration of Battle of Kameng commenced with wreath laying by Brig Amit Kabthiyal, Commander 9 Sector Assam Rifles at the newly erected Memorial Stone at the Kameng Hill to mark the supreme sacrifice and valour of the martyrs.
Wreaths were also laid by ex-servicemen and other dignitaries, said PRO AR.
As part of the event, the students from the area performed dance and patriotic song in remembrance of the martyrs.
World War- II veteran Sub Ningam Tangkhul (retired) and other ex-servicemen were honoured and felicitated by Brig Amit Kabthiyal who was the chief guest of the event.
The event witnessed an overwhelming participation by over 300 people including representatives from Manipur Tourism Department, World War - II Foundation Campaign, various other dignitaries from local areas, school children and ex-servicemen.
The event also included a talk on the Battle of Kameng by Arambam Angamba Singh, co-founder of 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation.
The rare and antique artifacts of the World War-II era were also put on display.
The display gallery at the venue highlighted the Battle of Kameng by various audio visual scenes, photographs, battle arrays, layout of the defences etc during the war at Kameng Hill.
The school children who conducted the cultural programme were also felicitated during the event.
The aim of the event was to re-live the memories of yester years, pay homage to the martyrs and to make the younger generation aware about the sacrifices of our brave soldiers and contribution of the Manipuri people in saving the Imphal Valley.
Next event will be organised on at Koirengei and Imphal War Cemetery April 7 and Nungshigum on April 13, said AR.
The Battle of Imphal is referred to as one of the bloodiest battles of World War-II.
Battle of Imphal was the decisive battle which blunted the Japanese offensive into India during World War-II.
The battle in which more than three divisions were applied by the Japanese to capture Imphal valley was fought at various locations spread all over Manipur from March 8 to July 3, 1944 .
The main battle took place around the town of Imphal with the Japanese aiming to capture the British logistics base at Imphal and used the numerous airfield spread over the Imphal valley to further their offensive to the plains of Assam.
The Battle was the turning point of the Burma campaign.
Battles of Kohima and Imphal were voted by the British National Army Museum to be "Britain's Greatest Battles" .
Victoria Cross, the highest British decoration for bravery, were awarded to five people for their actions in Manipur during the Battle of Imphal.
Comment
