The commemoration programme, held at Maibam Lotpa Ching (also known as Red Hill), was organised by Manipur tourism forum along with Second World War Imphal Campaign Foundation. Both envoys paid their respects to the fallen soldiers at the Commonwealth War Grave Centre (CWGC) in Imphal.

Apart from the top brass of the Manipur government, dignitaries from the Far East were present as the ceremony that also marks beginning of Manipur’s tryst in promoting itself as a World War (WW) II tourism destination. The ceremony began with Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh offering floral tributes at the WW II memorial along with Ambassador of Japan to India Takeshi Yagi and Australian High Commissioner to India Patrick Suckling.

The Battle of Imphal was fought from March to July in 1944 when Japanese troops poured over the border to strike at India. The battle was marked by vicious hand-to-hand fighting. Lieutenant General William Slim’s army comprising of British, Indian, Gurkha and African troops fought in horrendous jungle conditions, thereby, turning the tide against the Japanese army in World War II.

More about the event in the News

Business Standard - Japanese, Australian envoys visit war cemetery in Imphal

Northeast Today - Japanese, Australian Ambassadors Visit Manipur

Telegraph India - Peace call from World War II battlefield

Deccan Herald - Manipur commemorates the Battle of Red Hill

NagalandPost - 71st anniversary of ‘Battle of Imphal WW II’ observed