Everyone remembers a good war story.
Every war comes with a price, and a heavy one at that. But what happens when some wars get left out, left undocumented What happens to the history Everybody is aware of India's first war of Independence, the freedom struggle and the creation of the independent India. Let's talk about the forgotten and unsung stories of the Battles of Imphal and Kohima, March-July, 1944.
Brief History About the War
The Second World War lasted from 1939 to 1945. India was caught in the web of the Second World War as well as the freedom struggle. The entire country's ultimate aim was to end the British occupation of India. Similar feelings were felt in the present-day states of Manipur and Nagaland. During this time, the Japanese's advancement into India soil was fiercely fought back by the British Forces. The Japanese had the support of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose-led Indian National Army (INA). Sadly, together they could not stand against the British troops. The 'what' and 'why' of the war is without a doubt confusing. However, each side had their own reasons. The war was a victory for the British forces and a huge defeat for the Japanese. In this process, many lives were lost, Japanese as well as Indian soldiers fighting for and against the Japanese.
India Peace Memorial
It was at the bottom of Red Hill, just outside of Imphal, where many lives were lost. Japanese soldiers who lay dead were cremated by the residents it is here where the present-day India Peace Memorial stands, not glorifying the act of war but as a symbol for reconciliation and honouring the dead. Many war veterans have visited in the past to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers. Come November, 2018, Imphal will see a new war museum which will house relics from The Battle of Imphal.
Imphal War Cemetary
Imphal War Cemetary is home to 1,600 graves of the fallen Indian and allied soldiers who fought the Japanese during the war of 1944. The cemetary is a place of importance for the locals as well as the Indian Army. The cemetary is a mere 10km away from the centre of the city and is one of the most visited tourist destination in Imphal.
INA Museum
The INA Museum at Moirang has some of the rarest wartime relics and photographs. During the Second World War, the Indian National Army (INA) had made Moirang its headquarters. Here you will find letters, manifestos and photographs depicting the life and leadership of leaders like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Colonel Shaukat Malik and many others.
Khongjom War Memorial
The last battle between the Kingdom of Manipur and the British Empire took place in 1891, after which Manipur came under the British Raj. The war is also called the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. The memorial was developed to mark the sacrifices of the brave Manipuri martyrs who lost their lives during that war.