MANIPUR: 74TH ANNIVERSARY OF BATTLE OF RED HILL COMMEMORATED

74^th Anniversary of the Battle of Red Hill was commemorated today at India Peace Memorial, Maibam Lotpaching by 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation.

The function was attended by Bruce Bucknell, British Deputy High Commissioner to India along with his two officials, members of Indo-Japan Friendship Association, students of Manipur University who are pursuing degree course in Tourism and Hospitality and members from the local clubs and associations. Floral tributes were paid at the memorial by all the people who participated the commemoration.

The Battle of Red Hill aka Point 2926, was one of the fiercest battles which was fought in Manipur during the Second World War. The Japanese attacked and occupied parts of the Red Hill and Maibam village on May 21, 1944. Intense and historic battle followed for nine days between the Japanese and a combined British effort involving infantry, armour, artillery and air attacks, which ended on May 29, 1944.

Bruce Bucknell, British Deputy High Commissioner also paid floral tribute at India Peace Memorial today. Speaking on the occasion he conveyed that we should remember all the soldiers from various nations because remembrance will avoid future conflicts. He added that the younger generation of today does not like small conflicts that will create major conflict like the one which happen 74 years ago in Imphal.

Kenichi Okuyama, the former Deputy Mayor of Shonai, Japan conveyed that India, Great Britain and Japan should deepen the friendly relation and promote goodwill. He sent his heartfelt message from the place where General Kotoku Sato of 31st Japanese division was born. He sends his prayer and thoughts for all the war deaths of various nations.

The organiser of 2nd WW Imphal Campaign Foundation has been commemorating all the major battle locations that fought in Manipur for the last many years. They have discovered major battlefield locations with their research which were unknown to the general masses before. They work for reconciliation and restoration of world peace.