75th Anniversary of "Battle of Imphal" commemorated in Manipur

Imphal: The 75th Anniversary of the "Battle of Imphal" was commemorated on Sunday along with wreath-laying ceremony at Common Wealth War Cemetery in Imphal.

Religious leaders of Muslim, Christian, Hindu and Sikh religions read out from their respective holy books to bless the departed souls. Lt General Ravi Eipe (retd), head Liason officer India, Commonwealth Graves Commission, chief secretary of Manipur Suresh Babu, and Retired Lt. general K Himalaya Singh and Maj general KP Singh, of IGAR (S), paid homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives during the Battle of Imphal.

Four War veterans of the state who are living legends were felicitated on the occasion. It may be mentioned that the battle of Imphal, which was fought 75 years ago, in between March 8 to July 3 1944, has been referred to as one of the bloodiest battles in World War II. It was the decisive battle which blunted the Japanese offensive into India. It was also the turning point of the Burma campaign, part of the South East Asian Theatre of the Second World War.

The battle was fought mainly around the town of Imphal with the Japanese aiming to capture the logistics base of the allied forces. However, the victory for the British led allied forces came at a cost where more than 12000 casualties were recorded on the allied side and more than 50000 casualties suffered by the Japanese.

The Battle of Imphal along with the Battle of Kohima was also voted as Britain’s greatest battles by the British National Army Museum.