The Japan Lan in Manipur or The Imphal War Campaign, WW II.
Manipur witness the heat of the Second World War which was fought between the allied forces and the axis forces. The Second World War is also locally known as ‘Japan lan’ in Manipur. The war was fought between the Japanese army along with the INA soldiers and the British Indian soldiers under the British colonial rule in the year 1944. In that battle, the Japanese soldiers were defeated which is considered as one of the largest defeat to that date in the Japanese history. Remarkably soldiers of both the front consist of large number of Indian soldiers taking part in the battle. Ajad Hind Fauj, INA comprising of the Indian freedom fighter stands with the Japanese side while the Indian soldiers under the British empire took part in the battle along with the British soldiers.
The battle of Imphal was fought in and around the Imphal city, the capital of Manipur. The British and the Indian soldiers were deployed at many areas in and around Imphal to block the entry of the Japanese army. An air field was setup at ‘Koirangei’ for air support, ammunition and logistic supply. Heavy fighting between the advancing Japanese army and the British Indian soldiers were engaged in the ‘Potsangbam’ village. An air raid was conducted at the same time against the Japanese army on the way from ‘Bishnupur’ to Imphal road in and around “maibam lokpa ching”. Thanks to the air support from the dive-bomber and fighter aircraft of the allied force which the British and the Indian soldiers enjoyed that causes heavy casualties to the advancing Japanese army in and around “maibam lokpa ching”. The advancing Japanese army drawbacks was that they have assumed that they would not face any obstruction from the British tanks and heavy equipments in the mountainous terrain in Manipur and had left most of the artillery units and anti tank weapons back. Therefore they got fewer shields from the exposure of the tanks and heavy weapons. Japanese armies were defeated by the British and Indian army badly and got retreated back. Many engagements were occurred along the stretch from Imphal to Dimapur road like in Sekmai and Kanglatombi areas. Engagements were also reported along the stretch from ‘tamu’ to Imphal road.
The tri color Indian National flag was hoisted for the first time in the Indian soil at ‘Moirang’ on 14 April 1944. Today INA museum is placed at ‘Moirang’ to display the various weapons, tools and equipment, and many other materials used in the battle along with the related photograph. All the information and memories can be obtained in the museum.
A war memorial cemetery is establish at Imphal in ‘Deulahland’ area by the Commonwealth war graves commission to commemorate the martyr of the British and the Indian army who lost their life in that fierce battle. More than 1600 soldier and airmen of the Commonwealth were rested in the cemetery. A war memorial site is also established at “maibam lokpa ching” to commemorate the martyr of the Japanese soldiers who died in the Second World War at Imphal. Estimates of some 30000 Japanese soldiers were killed in the action.
Many bridges and sites constructed by both the forces can be seen in many parts of the state even today. Hanging bridge constructed by the Japanese army can be seen on the river flowing on the western side of Bishnupur bazaar. A cantilever bridge can also be found on Imphal River at heingang achangbingei area. Many remains of the battle are unearthed from many sites still today.
To remember, the Second World War was fought between the allied force and the axis force to oppose the colonial expansion of the axis forces. The allied forces consist of England and its colonies, United States of America and Soviet Union etc. while the axis power was headed by Germany, Japan and Italy. In the war the axis forces were defeated. The United Nation was established on 24 October 1945 after Second World War to prevent such conflict in future.
The 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation is set up with an aim to find out more information about the Great War fought in the North Eastern part of India. Their findings can be found out on the website www.ww2imphalcampaign.com.
It has its place in some of the most important events and occurrence in the history. History shows us that some of the worse battles were fought in the state. We can find out more and preserve the rich history of the state Manipur and convert it into a potential tourist spot.
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