MP Sanajaoba calls for preservation of Koirengei airfield
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IMPHAL, Mar 16: In order to protect the legacy of the historic Old Koirengei Airfield, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba has raised a demand for its preservation as a National heritage site.
During the Zero Hour of the ongoing Parliament session, he drew the attention of the Government regarding the historical significance of the airfield which was built during 1942-43 with assistance of American engineers. The airfield played a crucial role in the Allied Defence during the Battle of Imphal in WWII. It also served as a key supply and support base for the Allied Forces and played an important role to stop Japanese advance into India.
In 1942, when Japanese Forces advanced into Burma/Myanmar, the Imphal valley became a major route for the evacuation of civilians. This airfield served as an important humanitarian corridor where displaced families, children and the sick received food, shelter and medical assistance.
It also supported the vital air-bridge that sustained nearly two hundred thousand Allied Troops and helped secure India's Eastern Frontier.
It was the last departure point of Major General Orde Wingate and later served as the landing ground where Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was formally welcome in Manipur.
However, the physical remains of this airfield are gradually disappearing due to unregulated constructions and military presence. People of Manipur are very disappointed to see the deteriorating condition of the airfield, said the MP.
Preserving this site will enable future generations to understand India's war time resilience and humanitarian commitment.
The RS MP has thus urged the Government to take up necessary steps, in coordination with the concerned Ministry and the State Government, to preserve and protect the Old Koirengei Airfield as a National heritage site.
During the Zero Hour of the ongoing Parliament session, he drew the attention of the Government regarding the historical significance of the airfield which was built during 1942-43 with assistance of American engineers. The airfield played a crucial role in the Allied Defence during the Battle of Imphal in WWII. It also served as a key supply and support base for the Allied Forces and played an important role to stop Japanese advance into India.
In 1942, when Japanese Forces advanced into Burma/Myanmar, the Imphal valley became a major route for the evacuation of civilians. This airfield served as an important humanitarian corridor where displaced families, children and the sick received food, shelter and medical assistance.
It also supported the vital air-bridge that sustained nearly two hundred thousand Allied Troops and helped secure India's Eastern Frontier.
It was the last departure point of Major General Orde Wingate and later served as the landing ground where Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was formally welcome in Manipur.
However, the physical remains of this airfield are gradually disappearing due to unregulated constructions and military presence. People of Manipur are very disappointed to see the deteriorating condition of the airfield, said the MP.
Preserving this site will enable future generations to understand India's war time resilience and humanitarian commitment.
The RS MP has thus urged the Government to take up necessary steps, in coordination with the concerned Ministry and the State Government, to preserve and protect the Old Koirengei Airfield as a National heritage site.