Manipur MP Leishemba Sanajaoba urges centre to preserve Koirengei Airfield as national heritage site

Leishemba Sanajaoba, Member of Parliament from Manipur, has urged the Centre to take steps to preserve the historic Koirengei Airfield as a national heritage site, highlighting its crucial role during World War II.

Raising the matter on the floor of Parliament during the ongoing session, Sanajaoba drew attention to the historical importance of the airfield. He stated that the airfield was constructed in 1942 as the third airfield in Manipur during World War II.

According to the MP, the airfield played a crucial role in the Allied defence during the Battle of Imphal. It served as a key supply and support base for Allied forces and played a vital role in stopping the advance of Japanese forces into India.

Sanajaoba also noted that during intense fighting along the border, thousands of displaced people from Burma (now Myanmar) and nearby border areas had taken shelter at the airfield.

However, the MP expressed concern that the condition of the historic airfield is deteriorating due to unregulated construction and the presence of military installations. He said that the people of Manipur are disappointed to see the present state of the site.

Emphasising the importance of preserving the location, Sanajaoba said that conserving the airfield would help future generations understand India’s wartime resilience and humanitarian commitment.

He urged the central government, in coordination with the concerned ministries and the Manipur state government, to take necessary steps to protect and preserve the historic airfield which once played a vital role during the war.