Battle of Red Hill recalled with awe & inspiration
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 29 2014: As part of the 70th anniversary of Battle of Imphal in Second World War, the 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation and Manipur Tourism Forum (MTF) jointly organised the commemoration of the "Battle of Red Hill Aka Point 2926" at Maibam Lotpa Ching, Nambol under Bishnupur district today.

Governor of Manipur V.K.Duggal, Chief Minister O.Ibobi Singh and MLA of Nambol A/C N Loken attended the commemoration function as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

Organising Secretary of the event Y.Rajeshwor, Members of MTF Dr..LSurjit and N.Ibungochoubi, were also present on the occasion and paid floral tributes at "India Peace Memorial" .

It may be noted here that the Battle of Red Hill Aka Point 2926, was of the fiercest battles which was fought in Manipur during the Second World War.

The battle was fought between the allied forces and Japanese at Maibam Lotpa Ching at Nambol in Bishnupur district, and it came to be known as the Battle of Red Hill in the history of Second World War.

Battle of Red Hill recalled

So fierce was the battle that after all the available ammunitions were exhausted, the fate of the battle that continued for over one week was decided finally through hand to hand fight among the soldiers of the allied forces and the Japanese.

The battle was over in May, 1944 and hundreds of soldiers from both sides lost their lives.

According to some historians, out of 500 Japanese who fought in the battle only about 40 of them survived.

At Maibam Lotpaching, where the battle was fought, today a Japanese War Memorial stands reminding the sacrifices made by both Japanese soldiers and the Allied forces during the 2nd World War.

Speaking at the commemoration function, Governor VK Duggal observed that Second World War had made Manipur leap from the 19th century living to the 20th century in many ways.

The war brought aircrafts and other machines and the construction of three all weather airstrips, he pointed out, adding that the first civilian airstrip was set up at Koirengei in north Imphal and later shifted to the present one at Tulihal, south Imphal.

"It is quite unbelievable that such a decisive battle was fought in Manipur and Manipur with only about 5.5 lakh population at that time hosted over 1.20 lakh soldiers from different countries," the Governor noted.

He went on to observe that the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Battle of Imphal fought during the 2nd World War organised by the two organizations with support from the Government of Manipur has opened a fresh chapter in Manipur.

"It not only brings out the importance of Manipur in the history of the 2nd World War but also attempts to bring Manipur in the international map.

This effort will bring together the two sides and will be a platform for reconciliation, love and peace.

There is, however, a need for further research to find out citizens of which all countries fought during the Battle of Imphal so that representatives of these countries are invited to make it fully inclusive," the Governor suggested.

Chief Minister O Ibobi recalled that 70 years ago, Manipur witnessed an incredibly historic, albeit tragic, events.

"During what we call the Battle of Imphal, tens of thousands of soldiers from different parts of India and the world came here to engage in some of the fiercest fighting seen during the Second World War," Ibobi stated.

"One of the many battles of that period took place right here where we are gathered today at Maibam village and the hill we call Maibam Lotpaching, or Red Hill, as it has become popularly known.

It was the scene of fighting at the end of May 1944 that left hundreds dead in its wake � British, Japanese, Indians and Gurkhas," the Chief Minister said.

He went on to point out that it is important to highlight that the Battle of Imphal is as much a story about "our own people" � the people of Manipur � as about those who came from elsewhere in India and abroad.

We have heard of countless tales from our own parents and grandparents of that dramatic period when we found ourselves in the midst of one the greatest battles of Second World War.

Concluding his speech, the chief minister said, "We look forward to working together with the Manipur Tourism Forum and the 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation in this regard.

The State Government will support in preserving these heritage sites as well as to promote the Tourism potential of the State.

I congratulate the efforts put by the Manipur Tourism Forum in organising this event.

My best wishes for the observation cum celebration" .