Kakching World War II Memorial Run 2018 held
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, September 09 2018:
Kakching World War II Memorial Run 2018 programme was held at Assam Rifles Garrison, Kakching today.
Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, Governor Dr Najma Heptulla appealed to the gathering to remember the sacrifice of those soldiers who died in Manipur during the Second World War.
They were the valiant soldiers of the Azad Hind Fauj who fought for India's independence, soldier of the Imperial Japanese Army and those of the Allied Forces, she said.
Adding that both side lost heavily and thousands were killed during those few months in what is recorded as Britain's biggest land battle during the Second World War, the Governor said that the soldiers laid down their lives far away from their homes in this place, which most of them never knew existed before they were sent for the battle.
The Governor said that the event is to remember those people of Manipur who suffered during the war, as Kakching occupied a prominent place in the history of the Second World War fought in Manipur.
There was heavy deployment of the Allied Forces in and around Kakching and its airfield.
It served as the nerve-centre of the supply line and offensive moves of these forces and as such Kakching was the target for the Japanese forces, she added.
She also mentioned that the battle in Manipur had a unique feature as the Azad Hind Fauj fought for India's independence alongside the Japanese forces and on the other hand, Indian soldiers were also fighting on the side of the British.
Many of them were martyred along with the Japanese and the British soldiers.
The Governor complimented the participants from various countries whose citizens laid down their lives in Manipur and for the trouble they went through to take part in the run today.
This shows that even if the historical misadventure occurred more than 70 years ago, their countries and people have not forgotten them.
War, throughout history, has rendered millions dead and many more injured apart from damaging the economy of both the victor and the vanquished, she added.
The Governor stated that in war there are no victories in the true sense, as both sides suffer tremendous losses not only in terms of human lives but also in terms of damages to environment and disruption of political, social, cultural and economic systems.
With time, the horrors of the Battle of Imphal have eroded and now the opposing parties have become friends.
For the Indians, they were on both side.
The Governor further urged the gathering to pray for the souls of all those who were killed and not for only a particular side or nationality.
She praised Kakching and its people, saying that war is a thing of the past and the place is now considered one of the most progressive towns in Manipur.
It is also known as the granary of the State, she added.
She said that she was impressed by the people of Kakching as they are enterprising and hard working.
These positive qualities manifest in the challenges taken up by them in many spheres of life, she added.
Najma Heptulla appreciated the Kakching runners and the Assam Rifles for organizing the run in memory of the Second World War martyrs.
She also appreciated the runners from different States and outside who came together to join the run and pay homage to all those who were killed in the battle.
She also appreciated the elderly men and women who participated in the function.
Prior to the function, a marathon was organized which was participated by runners from within the State as well as from Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, Punjab.
Foreign participants from Dubai and Kenya also participated in the marathon.
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