Commemoration of Battle of Imphal (WW-II) ends
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 28 2014 : Along with premiere of, "Imphal 1944", a 30-minute long documentary film made by Japanese actor and director Junichi Kajioka that tells the story of a Japanese soldier named Masao Hirakudo who fought in the battle of Imphal during the Second World War, the three-month long commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Battle of Imphal (WW II) wrapped up at MFDC auditorium here on Saturday.

Organised jointly by Second World War Imphal Campaign Foundation and Manipur Tourism Forum with the support of the Government of Manipur, the impressive function was attended by a host of dignitaries from different countries including Barry Murphy, Director of Commonwealth War Grave Commission; Scott Furssedonn Wood, British Deputy High Commission to India; Jane Spicer, First Secretary, Australian High Commission to India; Y Kawamura, Charge de' Affaire & Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan; Col.Larry J.Redmon, Military Attache, Embassy of United States; Ms.Helen LaFave, Consul General of the USA in Kolkata; Gen.

P.M.Bali, GOC 57 Mountain Division, etc.

Chairperson of Burma Campaign Society Akiko Mcdonald, who was scheduled to attend, could not come to the programme but a video message sent by him was shown to the gathering.

Commemoration of Battle of Imphal (WW-II) ends

Apart from releasing a souvenir, an audio and video compilation of the three-month long observance of 'Battle of Imphal campaign" which began on March 23 last, was also shown during the function graced by Governor of Manipur VK Duggal and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh as chief guest and functional president respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor of Manipur VK Duggal said, "I complement the organizers for the efforts they have made and hope they will do it even better at the 75th anniversary commemoration.

I will take this opportunity of requesting the Chief Minister and the State Government that the plans for the 75th anniversary may finalize well in advance so that the commemoration turns into a mega event and puts Imphal on the global map in a big way" .

The Governor said he hopes that during the 75th anniversary celebrations of Imphal Battle, besides the Col Commandants of the Indian Regiments that took part in this great battle, representatives from more nations will be invited and will be a part of the commemoration as there were Nepali Regiment, men from Africa and other countries who had participated.

Even in Manipur, the theatre of his great battle of World War II, people have started forgetting as from among those who witnessed the battle, very few are still alive and for the younger generation, it is nothing but a story told by their parents and grandparents, Duggal said.

He said, "Let me also take this opportunity to appreciate the effort of Kajioka who has made the short film "Imphal 1944" and plans to make a full feature film on the subject.

This will, in its own ways, add certain immortality to this historic event while bringing out the tireless logistical and othet support given to the soldiers of both sides by the common people of Manipur" .

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, who also spoke on the occasion, said the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the battle of Imphal this year is a significant milestone and the Government of Manipur is pleased to support this landmark initiative.

"We pay our respectful homage to the departed souls and reach out to the near and dear ones of those brave soldiers who spent an important part of their lives in this theatre of WW II," Ibobi said.

He said, "Looking ahead, we feel that Manipur's experience of the WW II and its related heritage and assets�cemeteries, museums, memorials, battlefields, airfields, bunkers and trenches�can be of much interest to people from around the world.

The Chief Minister observed that endowed with unique natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Manipur has the potential of becoming one the best tourist destinations, attracting both domestic tourists and those from abroad.

Ibobi was confident that by preserving and maintaining the artefacts and exhibits of WW II, Manipur can have a new feather in its cap by becoming a WW II tourism destination.

Apart from other Ministers and MLAs of Manipur, Dr Th Dhabali, convenor of the Organising Committee, 70th Anniversary Battle of Imphal; Aramabam Angamba, co-convenor, research fellows from University of Oxford also attended the closing function.