Floral tributes were paid at both the Imphal Indian War Cemetry, Hatta and Imphal War Cemetry, Dewlahland in connection with the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal.

Governor VK Duggal today led a host of other imminent officials including Commonwealth War Grave Commission Barry Murphy, First Secretary (Defences), Australian High Commissioner to India Jane Spicer, Military Attache Embassy of United States Colonel Larry J Redmon and British Deputy High Commissioner to India Scott Furssedonn Wood in offering floral tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives during the 1944 World War II Battle of Inphal, today.

Organising Committee member Yumnam Rajeshwor said that with the support of Manipur Government, 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation and Manipur Tourism Forum the 70th Anniversary Battle of Imphal was kicked off on March 23 of this year.

Throughout India, 62666 commonwealth soldiers and non commonwealth soldiers are remembered at various cemeteries and memorial sites, he said.

In the two cemeteries in Imphal, 3299 soldiers are commemorated, however the maximum number of soldiers who died in Imphal are commemorated at the Rangoon memorial, he said.

In both cemeteries of Imphal 3299 soldiers are commemorates but much more soldiers who died in Imphal are commemorated at the Rangoon Memorial. Unfortunately not many of these soldiers have the known graves, he said.

The three-month long observation of the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Imphal (World War 2) came to an end today. Today’s programme was held late this afternoon at Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC) auditorium participated by Manipur Governor VK Duggal, Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Gaikhangam, Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Barry Murphy, Director, Common Wealth War Grave Commission, Gen. P.M.Bali, GOC 57 Mountain Division, Scott Furssedonn Wood, British Deputy High Commission to India, Jane Spicer, First Secretary, Australian High Commission to India , Col Larry J. Redmon, Military Attache, Embassy of United States, Chairman and Members of the Manipur Tourism Forum and 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation.

Other features of the closing ceremony have been the showing of audio and video compilation of the three-month long observation of the ‘Battle of Imphal” which began on March 23. A souvenir was also released on the occasion.

Chairperson of Burma Campaign Society Akiko Mcdonald could not come to the programme but a video message from him was shown. Ministers and MLAs of Manipur also participated in today event.

Speaking on the occasion, Manipur Chief Minister highlighted the chronicles of the World War-II in Manipur.

London-based Japanese filmmaker and actor Junichi Kajioka hold a premiere of his World War II epic "Imphal 1944" to mark the end of the 70th anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Imphal.

Thousands of soldiers, belonging to both the Japanese and the Allied Forces, were killed and maimed in several high-pitched battles across Manipur, a significant, but forgotten, theatre of WW II. Notably, the twin battles of Imphal and Kohima have been called "the greatest-ever battle involving British forces" by the National Army Museum, London.

The Organising Committee of 70th Anniversary Battle of Imphal (WWII) would like to invite one and all  the Commemoration of 70th Anniversary of Battle of Motbung scheduled for 7th june 2014, 2.30 PM at Playground, Motbung
Shri K. Govindas, Hon'ble Minister, Govt. of Manipur, Shri Ngamthang Haokip, Hon'ble Minister, Manipur, Dr. Kh Palin, Member, MTF and the locals will be present for the Commemoration event.

The year 2014 is the 70thAnniversary of the Battle of Imphal of 1944. It was seventy years ago that Manipur was witness to an epic battle between the British-led Allies and the Japanese and the Indian National Army (INA). From March to July of that year, over 200,000 Japanese, Britons, Indians, Gurkhas and men from several other nations clashed in the hills and valley of Manipur in what has since been described as one of the greatest battles of the Second World War. Indeed, on 20 April 2013, the combined battle of Imphal/Kohima was named as Britain’s Greatest Battle by the National Army Museum of the UK.
Manipur Tourism Forum and 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation with the support of Government of Manipur have started commemorating the 70th Anniversary of Battle of Imphal from 23rd March 2014 to 28th June 2014. This has involved holding series of events across Manipur to mark and commemorate key dates of the Battle of Imphal.
We look forward to your kind acceptance and patronizing the commemoration. The event would also educate the young minds of the significance of the Battle of Imphal.

Yours truly,
for- 70th Anniversary Battle of Imphal (WWII)

3/06/2014 - Imphal -Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in India, will be attending the Closing of the 70th Anniversary Commemoration of Battle of Imphal (WWII). During his stay in Imphal, he will be visiting India Peace Memorial at Maibam Lotpa Ching to pay floral tribute and attend the Closing Ceremony of the Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary Battle of Imphal which is scheduled for 28th June 2014. He is also likely to visit few battle sites in Manipur and also the World War II Museum founded by 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation.

Mr. Yasuhisa Kawamura graduated from Hitotsubashi University and joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Govt. of Japan. Before being posted to Embassy of Japan in India in 2013, Mr. Kawamura was the Deputy Chief of Mission in Consulate General of Japan in New York. He also held various important positions during his career as First Secretary, Permanent Mission to Int’l Organization in Geneva, Director, International Press Division, MOFA, Director, Second International Organization Division, Economic Affairs Bureau, MOFA.

Mr. Yasuhisa Kawamura during his visit will be the ‘Charge d’Affaires ad interim’ of Embassy of Japan in India.

The 70th Anniversary Battle of Imphal (WWII) is being organized by Manipur Tourism Forum and 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation with the support of Government of Manipur. Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur is the Chief Patron of the Organising Committee.

His Excellency Takeshi Yagi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Japan in India was the Guest of Honour during the Inauguration of the 70th Anniversary Battle of Imphal (WWII) on 23rd March 2014.

Source: Manipur Tourism Forum

The Organising Committee of 70th Anniversary Battle of Imphal (WWII) would like to invite one and all  the Commemoration of 70th Anniversary of Battle of Red Hill (WWII) scheduled for 29 May 2014, 9.30 AM at Community Hall, Maibam Lotpa Ching, Bishnupur Dist. Manipur. His Excellency the Governor of Manipur Shri VK Duggal has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest of the event. Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur will be the President of the function.

The year 2014 is the 70thAnniversary of the Battle of Imphal of 1944. It was seventy years ago that Manipur was witness to an epic battle between the British-led Allies and the Japanese and the Indian National Army (INA). From March to July of that year, over 200,000 Japanese, Britons, Indians, Gurkhas and men from several other nations clashed in the hills and valley of Manipur in what has since been described as one of the greatest battles of the Second World War. Indeed, on 20 April 2013, the combined battle of Imphal/Kohima was named as Britain’s Greatest Battle by the National Army Museum of the UK.
Manipur Tourism Forum and 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation with the support of Government of Manipur have started commemorating the 70th Anniversary of Battle of Imphal from 23rd March 2014 to 28th June 2014. This has involved holding series of events across Manipur to mark and commemorate key dates of the Battle of Imphal.
We look forward to your kind acceptance and patronizing the commemoration. The event would also educate the young minds of the significance of the Battle of Imphal.

Yours truly,
for- 70th Anniversary Battle of Imphal (WWII)

A teaser of Imphal 1944 is officially out now. The film is coming to Imphal on June 28.This film will be premier on 28^th june 2014 at the closing Ceremony Of the 70^th Anniversary Battle of Imphal. The Theme music "MEMORIES of IMPHAL" by Luna Luna
It would be grateful if you can "Like" the video or leave your feedbacks. Thank you!

20th May 2014: Mr. Scott Furssedonn-Wood, British Deputy High Commissioner to Eastern India, will be attending the 70th Anniversary Commemoration of Battle of Imphal (WWII). During his stay in Imphal, he will be attending the Memorial Service at Imphal War Cemetery and the Closing Ceremony of the Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary Battle of Imphal. This will be his first visit to Imphal.
Scott Furssedonn-Woodis a career diplomat and assumed charge as the British Deputy High Commissioner for Eastern India in October 2013. Before being posted to Kolkata MrFurssedonn-Wood was based in the US. From 2008 until 2013 he served at the British Embassy in Washington DC, first as Head of Strategic Threats, working on counter-terrorism and counter-proliferation issues; and then as Head of the Political Section, where he was responsible for coverage of the 2012 Presidential election, a role which took him to 47 of the 50 states.
Joining Mr. Furssedonn-Wood will be Lt. Col. Simon Colyer, Military Adviser, British High Commission, New Delhi.
The 70th Anniversary Battle of Imphal (WWII) is being organized by Manipur Tourism Forum and 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation with the support of Government of Manipur. Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur is the Chief Patron of the Organising Committee.


The above details was sent to GoManipur by Santosh Shekhar - PRO- 70th Anniversary Battle of Imphal
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Imphal, May 19,2014 : "Battle of Torbung " , a fierce battle fought during 2nd World War was observed today at Tollen Village, Torbung, Churachnadpur District with 2 surviving 2nd World War veterans from Manipur - Kaikhai Kuki (92 years) of 1st Assam Regiment and Mr. Kaijakap Kuki (91 years) of 2nd Assam Regiment as Special Guests. The function was organised as a part of the three month long observation of the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Imphal WW-II by the Manipur Tourism Forum and 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation.

In the commemoration function Mr. Lienlal Khongsai, Village Chief Tollen Village and Arambam Angamba, co-convenor, organizing committee attended as chief guest and president, respectively.

Speakers at the function stressed on the significance of organizing the function.

During the reteat of the 17th Division towards the plains of Imphal along the Tiddim road the Japanese had managed to erect raodblock at certain locations. MS 34 at Torbung was one of them where fierce battle was fought to dominate the route. 48th Allied Infantry brigade was called in from the Sugunu area to counter the road block at this MS 34. Ultimately, the Allied Force succeeded in destroying the road block and proceeding towards Imphal plains.

The 2 suviving war vetarans also narrated about their personal accounts of the battles they took part in various places of Burma (Myanmar). Kaikhai mentioned that he was trained in Calcutta (Kolkata). And from Madras (Chennai) he was transported to Burma as the retreating Japanese were fighting with the Allieds.

Rajeshwor Yumnam, Secratary of the Organising Committee informed that the Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Battle of Imphal was inaugurated on March 23, 2014 and would be concluded on June 28, 2014. The programmes to oraganised before the concluding functions are Observation at Red Hill (Maibam Lokpa Ching) on May 29, Battle of Motbung on June 7, Llift of Imphal Siege/Milstone 109 on June 22, Battle of Bishnupur on June 12 and Silchar Track on June 25.

- Organising Committee, 70th Anniversary Battle of Imphal (WWII)

"Imphal 1944" a film shot in Britain by Mr Junichi Kajioko, a Japanese Actor/Director on Battle of Imphal. This film was inspired by Masao Hirakubo OBE, a Japanese war veteran who fought in Imphal and tirelessly devoted his later life to reconciliation work in the UK.  The film is scheduled to be premiered on 28th June 2014 in Imphal during the Closing function of 70th Anniversary of Commemoration of Battle of Imphal
The first official poster is out now! Please share and spread the word for us. Thank you for your support! The team Imphal 1944.
Source : Manipur Tourism Forum

Manipur is observing the 70th anniversary of Battle of Imphal, one of the most historic battles of the Second World War (WW-II) fought in 1944. The inaugural ceremony of the 3-month commemoration of the Battle of Imphal was held on March 23, 2014 at Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC) Auditorium at Imphal. The anniversary programmes will continue till June 28. Various programmes will be held at the sites where Allied forces and Japanese soldiers fought fierce battles.

The inaugural ceremony, organized by Manipur Tourism Festival (MTF) and WW-II Imphal Campaign Foundation in association with the Government of Manipur, was graced by Chief Secretary P.C. Lawmkunga as Chief Guest, JapanÕs Ambassador to India His Excellency Takeshi Yagi, Additional Chief Secretary R.R. Rashmi, Principal Secretary (Tourism) Dr. Rajesh Kumar and Commissioner (Arts & Culture) R.K. Nimai as the Guests of Honour. President of Manipur Tourism Forum (MTF) Dr. Th. Dhabali presided the function.

Addressing the gathering, Japanese Ambassador Takeshi Yagi said the Battle of Imphal was the fiercest battle fought between the armies of Britain and Japan during the WW-II. As a result this small State is one of the historical places for both the countries. Although the Battle of Imphal took place 70 years back, the event remains un-forgettable to people of Japan, he added.

Takeshi Yagi further said organizing such an event will strengthen the relationship between the India and Japan. Relation between India and Japan has been improving after 70 years of the outbreak of the WW-II. Japan was reborn as a vibrant country after the WW-II. Ever since, Japan has been one of the most prosperous countries in Asia, which gave the people a peaceful and prosperous life, he added. He appealed the people of Manipur to protect and preserve the war memorials and peace pillars built in the State.

Chief Secretary Lamwkunga said Imphal was one of the most historic theatres of the WW-II which put Imphal in the tourism map of the world. He assured that from next year the events of the Battle of Imphal will be show-cased in the Sangai Festival, the annual tourism festival organized by the State Government. ÒWe will try to make the people of the State aware of the significance of this battle,Ó he added.

In his speech, President of MTF Dr. Th. Dhabali stated the purpose of commemorating the Battle of Imphal. He said the forum is organizing the anniversary at 14 different programs at 14 different historic war sites in Manipur in order to draw the attention of the masses and propagate the message of peace across the world. The historic Battle of Imphal was fought 2 months longer than the battle fought in Kohima from March to July in 1944. The battle involved around 2 lakh soldiers including pilots of both allied and Japanese forces. It was one of the historic battles of the WW-II, Mr. Dhabali said.

Commissioner Dr. R.K. Nimai said the Battle of Imphal was one of the ÒfiercestÓ battles of WW-II. The battle claimed numerous lives besides destroying many properties, but it changes the lives of people of this small State. The only and existing Tulihal Airport at Imphal and the 210 km Imphal-Moreh Highway were built during WW-II, he added.


Later, Takeshi Yagi visited some of the war memorials and battlefields in Manipur and expressed his appreciation to the government for maintaining them. He offered floral tributes to the Japanese soldiers killed during the Imphal campaign at the Japanese War Memorial at Maibamlotpa Ching.

In the Battle of Imphal, which was fought from March to July in 1944 between the British-led Allies and the Japanese and the Indian National Army (INA), over 2 lakh Japanese, Britons, Indians, Gurkhas and men from several other nations clashed in the hills and valleys of Manipur. Some of the important battles fought at Imphal were Battle of Sangshak, Battle of Kameng, Battle of Kanglatombi, Battle of Nungshigum, Battle of Tengnoupal, Battle of Torbung, Battle of Motbung, Battle of Bishenpur and the fighting on the Silchar Track.

On 20 April 2013 the combined battle of Imphal/Kohima was named as BritainÕs Greatest Battle by the National Army Museum of the United Kingdom. Peter Heehs in his History Today describes the significance of the Battle of Imphal thus: ÒImphal was one of the greatest Allied victories of the war, a turning point as significant in Asia as El Alamein and Stalingrad had been in Africa and Europe.Ó

It was at Imphal/Kohima that Allied forces halted the Japanese march across Asia. More than 30,000 Japanese soldiers died due to fighting or disease in the greatest defeat on land in JapanÕs history. The vast majority of casualties on both sides occurred during the Battle of Imphal.

The Battle of Imphal is also significant from a national perspective. Indian soldiers fought on both sides: together with the Japanese as part of Netaji Subhash Chandra BoseÕs INA and with the British as part of the British-Indian Army. The area surrounding the Moreh Road is the only place in India where more than 6,000 men of the INAÕs 1st Division was deployed and fought during the War. The INA flag was also hoisted for the first time in the country at Moirang on April 14, 1944. Today Moirang has the INA Memorial, which included a statue of Netaji Shubash Chandra Bose.

The Battle of Imphal in particular and the WW-II in general was also a momentous period for Manipur and its people. There was destruction and fighting on an unprecedented scale across Manipur. Thousands of people were displaced. For the first time Manipur witnessed the gathering of different nationalities and people from around the country and the world. Six airfields were constructed in the Imphal Valley during the war, which included Koirengai Airfield, Wangjing Airfield, Pallel Airfield, Sapam Airfield, Kangla Airfield, and Tulihal Airfield.

Manipur has 2 WW-II cemeteries - Imphal Indian Army War Cemetery at Hafiz Hatta and Imphal War Cemetery at Dewlaland. Imphal Indian Army War Cemetery at Hafiz Hatta is home to the graves of Muslim soldiers of the British Indian Army and a Cremation Memorial, which marks the cremation of Hindu and Sikh soldiers. Imphal War Cemetery at Dewlaland is home to the graves of Commonwealth soldiers, including Britons, Canadians, Australians, Burmese, Indians and East and West Africans.