'Battle of Bishnupur' commemorated
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 12 2014: "Battle of Bishnupur " , a fierce battle fought during 2nd World War at Bishnupur, the last line of defense for the Allied Force was commemorated today at Yangoi Ningthou Hall in Bishnupur Bazar.

The function was jointly organised by Manipur Tourism Forum and 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation as a part of the three-month long observation of the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Imphal WW-II .

In the commemoration function, Laishram Lolindra Singh, Chairman of Bishnupur Municipal Council graced as Chief Guest; Onkhalun Haokip, Associate Professor, Presidency College, Motbung, Neevaran Nongmaithem, Proprietor of Khuibo Tours & Travels as Guests of Honour and N.Ibungochoubi, Vice President of Manipur Tourism Forum as President.

In his key note address, Arambam Angamba, co-convenor of the Organising Committee, emphasised on the significance of organizing the function and recalled that the town of Bishnupur on the southern side of Imphal plain was the last line of defense for the Allied Force.

The 17th Division of the Allied force code named Black Cat retreated along the Tiddim from Kalewa in Burma after being confronted by the Elite 33rd Japanese Division code named White Tiger under Lt.Gen.

Yanagida.

The elite effort to capture the town of Ningthoukhong which was a Japanese stronghold failed after many attempts.

Fierce tank battle was fought in and around Ningthoukhong and Potsangbam which saw the award of two Victoria Cross to Turner and rifleman Ganju Lama.

On the importance of commemorating the event, the Chief Guest said such commemoration would educate about the battle to the younger generation.

In his presidential speech, Ibungochoubi said that the commemoration has reminded all of us the importance of Manipur, as our tiny state was a host to thousands of people from all over the world during WW 2.The WW 2 assets and heritage, cemeteries, museums, battlefields of the State is drawing attention of the lakhs of relatives of war veterans, scholars and war historians.

Now, we are required to take the rare opportunity to raise Manipur's profile nationally and internationally as a WW2 tourism destination collectively.

The Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Battle of Imphal was inaugurated on March 23, 2014 and would be concluded on June 28, 2014 .

Before the grand concluding functions, the organizing Committee will commemorate the Lift of Imphal Siege/Milestone 109 on June 22 and Silchar Track on June 25 .

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