Royal British Legion visits Imphal War Cemetery
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 10 2012:
A 21-member delegation of Royal British Legion from United Kingdom visited Imphal War Cemetery located near 2nd Manipur Rifles today.
Led by Retired Major John Whots of Royal British Territorial Army, the delegation included three war veterans of the British Army who had fought alongside the Indian troops in the battles of Imphal and Kohima during 2nd World War and the family members of the martyrs of Royal British Army who laid down their lives in the Battle of Imphal while fighting the Japanese forces.
This visit is a part of the annual pilgrimage of Royal British Legion to Indian War Memorials at Kolkata, Kohima and Imphal and is being organized by Royal British Legion for more than three decades now.
The two-hour programme at Imphal War Cemetery included prayers and floral tributes at the graves of officers and soldiers, recital of citations of the soldiers about their bravery and courage during World War II in the battle of Imphal, common prayer at the Central War Memorial and Wreath Laying.
Elaborate arrangements were done by 30 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR(S) including the wreath rituals in full military decorum.
The members of the Royal British Legion were overwhelmed by the hospitality and support by the Indian Security forces and people of Manipur during their three-day visit and many of the members decided on coming back for the same.
Thus this visit may prove to be one of the milestones in restoring the untapped potential of Manipur as one of the finest venues for tourism in North East India because of its Historic Importance.