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War tourism in india: The 70th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of Imphal

By Col VY Gidh, VSM (Retd)

`A Nation That Forgets It`s Past, Has No Future` – Winston Churchill

Introduction

The 70th Anniversaryof The Battle of Imphal and Kohimawas held from March to June 2014. It was 70 years ago that Manipur and Nagaland were witness to an epic battle between the British-led Allies and the Japanese and the Indian National Army (INA). Unfortunately not many in India remembered these twin battles and except for a few stray reports, the Commemorations or commencement of War Tourism in India were hardly noticed by our national media. It was a wonderful experience visiting Manipur to participate in some of the events during these Commemorations.

The Battle of Imphal and The Battle of Kohima were voted as `Britain`™s Greatest Battles`™ in a contest conducted by Britain`™s National Army Museum in London in April 2013, beating others like Normandy and Battle of Trafalgar. The result surprised people in England who thought Waterloo was their greatest feat. And yet, many Indians are unaware of these battles, and that Manipur and Nagaland were the key battlegrounds during the Second World War. Field Marshal WJ Slim, Commander of the British 14th Army during the battles, was voted as the best British general of all time with Duke of Wellington, they were both schooled in warfare in India.

70th Anniversary Commemorations

The 70th Anniversary Commemorations of The Battle of Imphal were organized by the Manipur Tourism Forum and 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation from 23rd March to 28th June 2014. The programme involved a series of events to mark and commemorate key dates from the Battles of Imphal. The aim was to draw attention to the extraordinary events that took place across Manipur from March to July 1944 andpay tribute to the martyrs who died fighting during these fierce battles.

The Eastern Heritage Trails, Imphal has recently introduced a series of guided tours focused on the Battle of Imphal. An initiative of MrHemant SinghKatoch, son of a retired Army officer and an ex-United Nations and Red Cross official, it isthe first-of-its-kind of War Tourism in India.Having undertaken field assignments in conflict regions like East Timor and Congo while in the UN, Katoch wanted to come back to India and research about the World War II battlefields in India, when he realized the possibility of War Tourism in India. These half or full- day tours cover prominent sites in and around Imphaland across Manipur related to this historic battle. They include the Battle of Imphal Tour-a half day tourin and around the city of Imphal; the Tiddim Road, the Shenan Saddle, the Battle of Sangshak, the INA and Victoria Cross Tours. The most popular Battle ofImphal Tour includes the Second World War era airfield-Koirenge; the two War Cemeteries (Imphal Indian Army and the Imphal War Cemetery), which commemorates the memories of theIndian and British soldiers who died during the War; battlefield visits around Imphal and the colonial era Gen Slim`™s Cottage, which is now a heritage property in Kangla Fort Complex. It was once the headquarters of the British 14th Army Commander from where he planned and initially fought the Burma Campaign.

Sketch of Battle of Imphal

The Battles of Imphal and Kohima

The Battles of Imphaland Kohimapitted 1,20,000 British-led Allies against 70,000 Japanese and 7000 INA soldiers in some of the bitterest fighting seen during the Second World War. `Fought between 07 March and 18 July 1944, the Battles of Imphal and Kohima were the the turning point of one of the most grueling campaigns of the Second World War. The decisive Japanese defeat in Northeast India became the springboard for the Fourteenth Army`™s subsequent re-conquest of Burma`: National Army Museum, London.

The two battles were the result of the 1944 U-Go Offensive of the Japanese 15th Army under Lt Gen RenyaMutaguchi. The plan was to conquer India and use it as a launch pad of future Japanese military campaigns. It initially involved the capture of Imphal, cut off the key Imphal-Kohima-Dimapur road and prevent any British invasion of Myanmar (now Burma), which Japan had controlled since 1942. During the battle, 70,000 Japanese soldiers marched to Manipur to fight the Allied forces. Imphal, which was heavily invested by the Japanese 15th and 33rd Divisions of the Japanese 15th Army, was defended by the IV Corps of the British Fourteenth Army, comprising the 17th, 20th and 23rd Indian Infantry Divisions, including the 50th Indian Parachute Brigade.

While 16,000 on the Allies side were either killed or wounded at Imphal-Kohima, 12,000 of them died during the Battle of Imphal. An estimated 30,000 Japanese soldiers died due to fighting or disease in the simultaneous battles of Imphal and Kohima, and on the retreat back to Burma.Soldiers carried the injured back towards the Chindwin river. Those who could not be carried were left behind. The fingers of many of the dead were cut to be cremated back home. It was the greatest defeat on land in Japan`™s history and the vast majority of casualties occurred during the Battle of Imphal. Among the 7000 INA men who accompanied the Japanese till Moirang, about 400 were killed in the battle, while 1500 died of disease and starvation during their withdrawal towards Burma. Till this day skeletons presumed to belong to the dead soldiers are found in Manipur.

The British military historian Dr Robert Lyman who played a prominent role in preparing the case for the Battle of Imphal and Kohima, notes that Imphal-Kohimawas one of the four turning-point battles of the Second World War; the Battles at Stalingrad, El Alamein, and in the Pacific between the US and Japanese navies were the other three. The Victoria Cross (VC), the highest British military decoration for bravery, was awarded to five personnel during the Battle of Imphal and two during the Battle of Kohima.

The ProgrammeDuring the Commemorations

The Inauguration Ceremony held on 23rd March 2014 was attended by several dignitaries including the Japanese Ambassador to India, Mr Takeshi Yagi. Thecommemoration of the prominent battles started with the `Battle of Sangshak`™ on 26th March, where troops from 152 ParaBn with 4/5 Maratha held the garrison against a strong Japanese force. While 152 Para Bn later fell back to the Imphal plains, 4/5 Maratha (now 4 Maratha LI) was ordered to hold the defences around Sangshak. The delay imposed by the battalion on the advance of the Japanese Army enabled the Allies to land forces by air at Imphal and reinforce Kohima by land, thereby saving the fall of these two important locations. The first battle fought on Indian soil from 21-26 March 1944, it was a prelude to the famous battles of Kohima and Imphal. The next was the `Start of Imphal Siege`™ at KanglaTongbi on 7th April, where the Japanese forces planned to capture the large supply depot. A handful of non-combatants of mostly Ordnance soldiers belonging to the Advance Ordnance Depot led by Maj Boyd repulsed a series of attacks of the Japanese forces before troops from the erstwhile 14 Punjab and 9Jat Regiments could arrive. This epic stand enabled the Allies sufficient time in moving back 4000 tons of war-like stores.The Depot was selected to accompany the British Commonwealth Occupation Force to Japan after the war. Today KanglaTongbiWar Memorial is a revered shrine visited by all. A tradition still followed by all young AOC officers is that upon commissioning they first visit the memorial at KanglaTongbi. The DG Ordnance Services and Senior Colonel Commandantalong with WW II veterans and their families from Britain and Japan laid a wreath on 7th April.

The `Battle ofNungsigum`™ was commemorated on 13th April, where Jemadar Abdul Hafiz of 9 Jat Regimenthad won the first VC on Indian soil at Runaway Hill on 6th April 1944. This 1000 feet massif located North East of Imphal town which dominated several road junctions and the vital Koirenge airstrip, was recaptured by the Allies on 13th April after its fall to the Japanese forces.

On 14th April, the INA day was commemorated at Moirang. Col Shaukat Ali Malik of INA had hoisted the Indian tricolour for the first time in India at Moirang on 14th April 1944, where the INA Memorial and Museum stands today. The INA`™s 1st Division had participated in the Battle of Imphal, which included the Gandhi, Subhash and Azad Brigades, as well as INA Special Groups attached to the Japanese Divisions. The other battles commemorated were the `Battle of Tengnoupal`™ near the Indo-Myanmar border on 19th May;`MaibamLokpaching`™(Red Hill) on the Tiddim Road on 29th May, where Sergeant Hanson Victor Turner of West Yorkshire Regiment and RfnGanju Lama of 7th Gurkha Rifles won their VCs at Ningthoukhong on the Tiddim Road; and `Silchar-Bishenpur Track`™ on 25th June, where NaikAgansingRai and Sub NetraBahadurThapa of 5th Gurkha Rifles won their VCs on 26 th June 1944.Some old Manipuri elders who had witnessed these battles as children, also narrated their experiences at many locations.

Since our Battalion, 14 Punjab (Nabha Akal) had served in Manipur during late 1990s`™ while insurgency was at its peak, we have very fond memories of our two years tenure in the Imphal Valley. MaibamLokpaching (Red Hill or Point 2926) was located in the unit area and I proudly recollect meeting Viscount Slim (son of the famous Field Marshal) in April 1998, when he visited Imphal with a British delegation comprising of 50 war veterans of the 14th Army and wards and sons of men killed in the War. The Viscount`™s son, Dr Hugo Slimwas also among the group. MaibamLokpaching was the scene of one of the bloodiest battles involving hand to hand combat fought on the hillock code named Red Hill, adjacent to the Imphal-Tiddim Road. Fought in the last phase of the Imphal Campaign in May 1944, this battle turned the tide of the war in favour of the Allies. Red Hill was later Gen Slim`™s Tactical Headquarters during the initial stages of the Burma Campaign.

The Japanese War Veterans had constructed `India Peace Memorial`™ at the bottom of Red Hill in 1977 in memory of the Japanese martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the battle. The memorial`™s gate faces Japan and is a pilgrimage for Japanese tourists who pay homage to their fallen comrades.

The Closing Ceremony of the three-month long programme held at the Imphal War Cemetery on 28th June 2014 was attended by representatives from Britain, the United States, Australia and Japan. Dr Hugo Slim, grandson of Field Marshal Slim was among the dignitaries. The highlight was the presence of few World War II veterans including 93 year old Sokhojang, who had fought in the Battle of Imphal.

AtSangshak, 84 year local YA Shishakproudly showed us his museum set up at home. It contains rare Allied, Japanese and INA artefacts, photographs, medals, flags, paintings besides other collected items from the World War sites. The SangshakWar Memorial honouringthe valour and sacrifice of the martyrs of 152 Para Bn, 4/5 Maratha and locals of Sangshak village was made many years back, while the Japanese have recently constructed a War Memorial in honour of their martyrs who died during this battle. In Imphal, we were delighted to visit a similar war museum set up at home by one of the founding members of the 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation.

Importance of the Battles

Dr Slim says, `The India/Burma Campaign was long known as the `Forgotten Army`™ in the UK. In the British popular image, the greatest battles and heroes were all in Europe. Scholars the world over are recognizing the significance of the Campaign as the beginning of modern integrated mobile warfare (air supply etc) and a model of defensive and offensive warfare. The Campaign is now taught in the UK and US military academies. Imphal is now recognized as the longest battle of WW II and the combination of so many different nationalities in the XIV Army makes it an important example of what today is called diversity.`

Louis Allen in his book `Burma `“ The Longest War`™ writes, ` Imphal`¦the last place on earth one would choose as the venue of a vast military campaign. Yet it was here that Japanese, British, Indians, Gurkhas, arrived in 1944 to kill other in their thousands. The Japanese were driven by the dream of invading India: the others by the need to stop them.`

Unfortunately, we in India seem to have forgotten these famous battles. Independent India has never shown any care or concern about these war veterans, as they are a living memorial of India`™s colonial past `“ men who fought a `foreign war`™ for a foreign government.It was for the first time that the Indian Army fought a foreigner invader on Indian soil. And it was for the first time the seemingly invincible armies of the Emperor of Japan were decisively beaten by Indian soldiers. It makes us proud of the contribution of our Armed Forces. As per one of our war veteran `“ `Victory in the Second World War has been, by far, our biggest military achievement, yet hardly anyone in India talks about it. The country that sent the largest voluntary Army in history to fight the war, has forgotten the sacrifices of our soldiers`. Fortunately, this seems to be changing with the Indian government gradually acknowledging the significant role played by our Armed Forces during the World Wars.

The Indian Army During the World Wars

During the First World War, 1.3 million Indian soldiers played a major role in the fighting in European, Mediterranean and Middle East theatres. They won 11 Victoria Crosses, while 74,000 soldiers died and 66,000 were wounded. 2014 also happens to be the Centenary year of First World War.

During the Second World War, the Indian Army began the war in 1939 numbering just 2,00,000 men. However by the end of the war, it became the largest volunteer Army in history, rising to over 2.5 million men. It fought gallantly in North Africa, Middle East and Italy, though a major force was committed to fighting the Japanese Army. Their valour and grit was recognized with the award of 31 VCs. These campaigns cost over 36,000 lives, whilst 34,354 were wounded and 67,340 became Prisoners of War.

War Tourism

Many Western countries and some South East Asian countries have preserved the World War sites.`The Battle Box`™ is one of the most important WW II sitesand premier tourist attractions in Singapore. War Tourism is a flourishing industry in Europe with Tour Operators conducting `battlefield tours`™ of World War sites and War Memorials for scholars, tourists and families of war veterans. The 70th Anniversary Commemorations of WW II at Monte Cassinoor Normandy in May and June, or the Centenary Commemorations of WW I this year are fine examples. The visit to Imphal for the 70th Anniversary was enriching, given this was the first-of-its-kind of War Tourism in India. Among the distinguished visitors I could interact with in Imphalwere a group of British scholars, wards of war veterans and the Curator of The Kohima Museum at Imphal Barracks, York. They later left for Kohima to visit the battlefield sites and pay homage to their martyrs at the famous Kohima War Cemetery.

We had a fine taste of War Tourism last year, when we visited the Italian battlefields where our 257 year old unit, 14 PUNJAB (NABHA AKAL), the erstwhile NABHA AKAL INFANTRY had fought with distinction against the Germans during WW II. It was very heartening walking through some of the remote locations and villages in Italy where our troops had served, and the locals speaking well of the Indian soldiers who fought during the War. We later paid homage to our unit and other Indian soldiers commemorated in the famous Cassino War Cemetery and other War Cemeteries in Italy.

Manipur and Nagaland have great potential for tourism in terms of natural beauty,adventure, culture or tribal celebrations.Manipur, knownas `Jewel of India`™ by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, has inspired descriptions such as the `Switzerland of the East.`™ Famous for its indigenous sports and sportsmen, it has produced icons like Mary Kom. The `Manipur Sangai Festival`™held in Imphal from 21`“30 November and the `Hornbill Festival`™ in Kisema, near Kohima from 01-10 December every year draws many tourists from India and abroad. The 6th and 7th Manipur Polo Internationals were conducted in Imphal during November 2012 and 2013 respectively with teams from the US, Germany, some South East countries and India participating. This new form of `Polo Tourism`™ was a big success. There have been British and Japanese tourists who come to visit the war cemeteriesand memorials in Imphal and Kohima.The successful culmination of the 70th Anniversary Commemorations in Imphal this year shows that War Tourism is one area where these states can focus on.The British Fourteenth Army was a multinational force and the Battles of Imphal and Kohima provide us an excellent opportunity to project ourselves to the rest of the world and reach out to those countries which fought in these battles. The 75th Anniversary of these famous battles will be commemorated in 2019 and we should plan to conduct the same in a befitting manner. War Tourism would not onlyhelp in curbing insurgency by providingall round development in the region, it would also assist in promotion of India`™s `Look East-ActEast Policy`™.

(This article by the author had originally been published in The Infantry (India) Journal, December 2014 issue and is reproduced here with permission.)

How Global War Memory in the Indo-Myanmar Border-Zones is Refashioning “Remote” Places

Memorialization of the Second World War (WWII) in Manipur and Nagaland through tourism in India was fueled by ground-up initiatives in the past decade. This reveals contested historical narratives co-existing with newly re-invigorated transnational commemorative circuits enabled by legacies of a “global” war. This challenges perceived historical amnesia about the war in South Asia, which is encapsulated by a Eurocentric trope of “forgotten war.” Simultaneously, some of these efforts to re-excavate history situate the centrality of what was considered a “remote” frontier region into a place of global commemorative relations that acquire greater significance in light of regional desires for inter-Asian connectivity.

A “forgotten” global war

At a hotel in the city of Imphal in January 2014, I came across a small brochure by a local battlefield tourism company, which offered a “battlefield tour” of sites in and around the city as well as other areas in Manipur. Battle of Imphal Tours was my first encounter with WWII history within the tourist landscape of India’s “Northeast” region. That year coincidentally marked the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal and Kohima that had begun in March 1944 with the Japanese invasion from Burma. Memories of this battle were propelled into the limelight in 2013, after the National Army Museum in the United Kingdom voted that this event was Britain’s “greatest” battle. A host of public events on a relatively grand scale have commemorated the 70th anniversary (2014) and the 75th anniversary (2019).

Such commemorations include the establishment of the Imphal Peace Museum in 2019, funded by the Nippon Foundation and endorsed by the Japanese government, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe [Fig. 1]. War tourism in Northeast India draws from experiences of becoming part of the China-India-Burma Theatre of war, another “home front” of a global conflict, which was until then governed as the British Indo-Burma frontier. War tourism is a useful entry point to probe questions of broader significance about how historical pasts are constantly amenable to appropriation, particularly by postcolonial nation-state projects and minority resistance to them. More importantly, in Manipur and Nagaland, WWII memorialization and tourism have opened up possibilities for shifting the historical narrative in a manner that seeks to transcend regional and national competition in favor of fostering global connections of nostalgia and memory.

War memorialization and tourism have enabled a peculiar sort of globalization in the past decade, one in which the relevance of war memories transcends nationalizing discourses (and resistance to them). WWII’s global nature has been the subject of increasing attention by historical and international relations scholarship. In recent years, ground-up initiatives have re-excavated (sometimes literally) historical pasts, revealing narratives that challenge the highly Eurocentric trope of a “Forgotten War.” 1 This term that was in use in the 1940s and was popularized more recently by two classic and wide-reaching books by Cambridge University historians. See Christopher A. Bayly and Timothy N. Harper, Forgotten Armies: The Fall of British Asia, 1941-1945 (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2005) and Forgotten Wars the End of Britain’s Asian Empire (London: Penguin Books, 2007). As such, tourism represents a genre of history production that can reframe historical genealogies made possible by the experience of a “global war.” Some such alternative genealogies may be informed by a nostalgia for empire that remains under-recognized.

These instances become starker in frontier areas, such as the present-day Indian states of Manipur and Nagaland, whose accommodation within national historical narratives after decolonization has been problematic. The problem of WWII memorialization – or Japan Laan (Japan war), as it is called in Manipur’s Meitei language – is fraught and has been in competition with other conflicts (e.g., Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891, Kuki Uprising of 1917) that are interpreted by historians as “anti-colonial,” particularly in the postcolonial context. The resurgence of war memorialization, particularly through tourism, has re-kindled global circuits of memory. Unlike in other Asian contexts, here, WWII tourism – fueled by ground-up initiatives – has largely departed from nationalistic agendas and rekindled connections with British, American, and Japanese tourists, for instance. These international connections with Manipur and Nagaland often bypass the Indian nation-state and articulate distinct genealogies created by global imperial warfare. Fraught historical relations of Manipuris and Nagas with Indian national projects can be transcended in favor of these alternative genealogies that posture these places directly with British, American, and Japanese history. Thus, the legacy of global war afforded narrative possibilities through which Manipuri and Naga history are recast as “global” and not solely tied to India.

Fig. 1: B.K. Sachu, in his late 80s, converted a part of his home in Kohima into a museum that houses relics and memorabilia of World War II (Image republished courtesy of Tora Agarwala/The Indian Express and captioned by the author).

Resurgence, revival, and remembrance

The resurgence of memories of WWII in the region is most visibly manifested in the realm of tourism. War tourism in Manipur since 2012 was driven by amateur explorers and professional tour entrepreneurs on the ground. More recently, they have been increasingly usurped by state-driven projects, sometimes funded in part by foreign governments. Eventually, private entrepreneurial organizations such as the Manipur Tourism Forum , in collaboration with state and foreign governments, came to dominate war commemorations and related tourism infrastructure. The increased interest of the state in upgrading the war memorials of Imphal (Manipur’s capital) is a stark departure from previous policy. It can be read as an attempt to signal the local government’s ability to control what has been a highly militarized landscape of precarity and counter-insurgency. It is also an attempt to brand the city as a world “destination.” 2 Duncan McDuie-Ra, Borderland City in New India (Amsterdam University Press, 2016), 90. The dynamics here diverge from nation-centric war sites like the memorials in Kashmir commemorating the Kargil War, where border securitization and tourism have come together. In such cases, a peculiar form of military tourism deliberately encourages the celebration and consumption of nationalist sacrifice, thereby creating greater presence of state and populations in areas where the territorial integrity of India is fraught with anxieties of Chinese and Pakistani occupation. 3 Alexander E. Davis, “Transboundary Environments, Militarisation and Minoritisation: Reimagining International Relations in the Himalaya from Ladakh, India,” in Environmental Humanities in the New Himalayas , ed. Dan Smyer Yü and Erik de Maaker (London: Routledge, 2021), 220–38.

The “supply” of war memories is rather diverse, and it is not only catered towards the tourism industry alone. In fact, war memorialization has been a site of global interconnection. On the one hand, it is a phenomena that privileges nostalgia for imperial pasts, while, on the other hand, it manifests ruptures and tensions within minority histories of ethnic nationalism as opposed to histories proffered by the Indian nation-state. For example, the Naga armed political resistance movement against India is based on the founding myths of collaboration and loyalty to the British and Allied forces during WWII. Contrary to this, in Manipur, the royal family sided with the British, while the minority Kuki community is largely held to be disloyal to the Allies. In the Kuki context, scholars and ground activism have interpreted and presented Kuki “disloyalty” as “anti-colonial” credentials. Thus, Kuki soldiers in the pro-Japanese Indian National Army (INA) have claimed compensation in independent India as “national” war veterans. 4 Jangkhomang Guite, “Representing Local Participation in INA–Japanese Imphal Campaign The Case of the Kukis in Manipur, 1943–45,” Indian Historical Review 37, no. 2 (December 1, 2010): 291–309.

In contrast to Manipur, institutionalized war memorialization linked to tourism has arguably had a longer presence in Nagaland, although this is now changing with more foreign investments (especially from Japan) in Manipur. 5 Yaiphaba Meetei Kangjam and Hemant Singh Katoch, “Northeast India, World War II and Japan: Past, Present and Future,” in Northeast India and Japan , ed. Mayumi Murayama, Sanjoy Hazarika, and Preeti Gill (Routledge India, 2021) 252. For instance, state-endorsed mega-events such as the Hornbill Festival cater largely to a big foreign tourist clientele. During this event, a primitive past and “tribal” culture are juxtaposed with wartime memorabilia, including a WWII themed car rally. 6 Arkotong Longkumer, ‘“As Our Ancestors Once Lived”: Representation, Performance, and Constructing a National Culture amongst the Nagas of India.’, HIMALAYA 35, no. 1 (Spring 2015): 51-64, 56. The Nagaland state-funded Kohima War Museum was built adjacent to the site of the Hornbill Festival in Kisama village. Its architect, Ronojoy Sen, said that he combined the structural features of an airplane hangar with the indigenous architectural features of a Naga Morung (male dormitory) to create a design that reflected the global encounter of WWII in Nagaland. 7 Interview Ronojoy Sen, December 2015. The Morung was a political center in a Naga village and place where training to hunt and fight were imparted.

The war encounter is often posited as the coming of “modernity” to Naga Hills and Manipur. This echoes recurring Eurocentric tropes as well, notwithstanding the fact that new material and technological transformations did come into the region as a result of WWII. Previously, the material remains of war were mobilized for quite different reasons than they are today. In 1947, over 300 petitioners from Utlou and Laijenram Sabal villages in Manipur sought war compensation from the Indian government for the wartime destruction of property. These villages preserved the military structures like trenches and barbed wire, and they collected remains of battle as evidence for their claims. 8 Deepak Naorem, “Remembering Japan Laan: Struggle for Relief, Rehabilitation and Compensation,” NeScholar 4, no. 2 (2018): 21–26, 25.

Public as well as individual initiatives to collect material remains of war have continued over the last decades. For instance, B.K. Sachu, a Naga octogenarian in Kohima, has been collecting wartime artefacts and created a small but remarkable museum [Fig. 2]. However, Sachu said that he had not heard about the government-sponsored year-long commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the war in 2019 in Kohima and Imphal. He made sense of these exclusions by suggesting that the “celebrations are at ministerial level, so they are not inviting villagers.” 9 Tora Agarwala, “In Kohima Village, an Octogenarian Is Preserving a Treasure Trove from World War” The Indian Express , September 20. Other groups, like the 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation – led by Yumnam Rajeshwor and Arambam Angamba Singh, with support of the Manipur government – have been engaged in the researching and collection of relics since 2009. More recently, the Japan Association for Recovery & Repatriation of War Casualties (JARRWC) visited Nagaland and Manipur to collect remains of Japanese soldiers and has been facilitated by the Imphal Campaign Foundation and Manipur Tourism Forum.

Fig. 2: The India Peace Memorial, built in 1994 by the Japanese government to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal (BOI). The central shrine of the Memorial includes Japanese inscriptions and the phrase Jai Hind (“Hail India”), which was a slogan used extensively by the Axis-Allied Indian National Army (INA) as well as a nationalist slogan today (Photo by the author).

War tourism in Imphal initially came from ground-up entrepreneurship in Manipur, pioneered through the Battle of Imphal (BOI) tours started by Hemant Singh Katoch and Yaiphaba Kangjam, both of whom are long term informants for my research. Hemant is an entrepreneur, international development professional, and author from Delhi. Through his work on this war, he wants to regularize and professionalize “battlefield tourism” in the region, going beyond the usual “remembrance tours” that do not really cover the wider and expansive landscape beyond war cemeteries and usually excludes stories of individuals. He expressed his desire to see Manipur emerge “as India’s pre-eminent destination” for WWII “remembrance tourism” as well as to contribute to Manipur’s growth after decades of insurgency and wars with India since the mid-1960s. 10 Hoihnu Hauzel, “A Walk Through Battle of Imphal.” NE Travel and Life , March 19, 2014. In doing so, Hemant is reviving a memory repository that draws from an alternate historical genealogy of Manipur, one which moves away from the traditional emphasis on Manipur as an ancient Hindu civilization and/or a Princely State. It also engages the question of belonging in India, as well as the state’s troubled past, marred by brutal counterinsurgency undertaken by Indian armed forces. 11 For instance, the controversial and draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 that gives unbridled extra-judicial powers to the armed forces, creating almost martial-law like conditions for use of force. Hemant has published two books with well-known international publishers. Intended as “battlefield guides,” 12 Hemant Singh Katoch, The Battlefields of Imphal: The Second World War and North East India (Routledge India, 2016) and Imphal 1944: The Japanese Invasion of India (Osprey Publishing, 2018). both books underscore how Manipur was arguably the part of India most affected by WWII. Yaiphaba, who now leads most of the tours in Imphal, has authored a collection of oral histories of the war. 13 Yaiphaba Meetei Kangjam, Forgotten Voices of the Japan Laan: The Battle of Imphal and the Second World War in Manipur (New Delhi: INTACH : Aryan Books International, 2019).

Locating a forgotten war in time and place

Hemant opined elsewhere that, after the war, Manipur supposedly went back to being a “quiet corner” of the world, despite having been globalized by wartime encounters. Scholars tend to view the wartime experience as a critical event. The war momentarily opened up trans-regional connections across the frontier, thereby challenging the exclusion of tribal inhabitants from modernity caused by colonial frontier policy of territorial enclosure since the 19th century. This brought them greater material and political leverage. This was concomitant with a uniquely intensified form of Allied state-extension, through road-building for instance. Additionally, there was a humanitarian crisis caused by the mass exodus of refugees and troops from Burma after the Japanese occupation of most of the former British territory in 1942. The encounter with modernity was thought to be short-lived. With the re-imposition of a single, Old Standard Time upon the region in 1945, the region was thought to return to a “less modern” temporality as some historians tend to suggest. The idea of a temporal break due to war and to the official end of colonial rule in August 1947 is also problematic since it obscures the continuities of violent militarization and policies that continued to resemble colonial frontier-style governance.

Moreover, Independence – followed by the violence of Partition – created conditions for “forgetting” the war and creating greater distance from it. WWII was portrayed as irrelevant in Indian national history narratives because it was, after all, a war between imperial powers. The Indian political establishment, led by the Indian National Congress, had sided with the British in return for a promise of Independence, while the Bose-led INA allied with Nazi Germany and Japan to overthrow British rule. These dynamics created complications for national memory and thus presented a vested interest in forgetting. In short, war memory in the late 1940s did not serve either British interests nor Indian national ones. 14 Indivar Kamtekar, “A Different War Dance: State and Class in India 1939–1945,” Past & Present 176, no. 1 (August 1, 2002): 187–221. In Northeast India, however, war tourism – as a means of transcending the territory’s historical relegation as “peripheral” – is key to the current rhetoric of development in the region. In light of recent decades of political and policy desires for inter-Asian connectivity, it is important to note such transnational aspirations that inform demands for the revival of wartime infrastructure like the Stilwell Road that began from Ledo in Assam. This road once connected a larger transport corridor from Kolkata in India with Kunming in China.

Fig. 3: Hemant and Yaiphaba at the India-Myanmar border, between the “Twin Cities” of Tamu and Moreh. BOI Tours expanded into Myanmar in 2018 (Image courtesy of Hemant Singh Katoch).

Excavation of war memories and materials from the ground seeks to retrieve something that had been “lost” and is to be salvaged and recovered. Such attempts at memorialization incorporate WWII within local historical geography, and in so doing lay claim to a globality and modernity long claimed to be absent. The past can be brought back to life through the excavation of other memories, thereby producing a new narrative of place. The idea of “recovery” may resonate with “imperialist nostalgia” (among other nostalgias), particularly because tourism narratives are deeply embedded within Eurocentric triumphalism of Allied victory and Japanese defeat. It is also true that multiple nostalgias and competing temporalities co-exist in the memory landscape. For instance, the postcolonial Indian state and local Manipuri state (incepted in 1972) privileged movements that were later interpreted to be “anti-colonial.” For example, the Anglo-Manipuri “war” of 1891 is commemorated preeminently by the Hindu Meitei majority with support of the Manipuri state. Such narratives celebrate the valor of Prince Tikendrajit as a martyr of the anti-colonial cause. However, opposition to the official narrative of this “war of Independence” has been met with violent public reactions in the past. 15 Jangkhomang Guite, “Monuments, Memory and Forgetting in Postcolonial North-East India,” Economic and Political Weekly 46, no. 08 (February 19, 2011): 56–64, 61.

After the release of his first book in the form of a battlefield guide, Hemant appeared in a video interview, where he highlighted two key ideas. First, he pointed to the ambivalent attitudes of Indians, especially in Manipur, towards WWII: despite mass participation in resisting the Japanese, the conflict is hardly thought of as “our war.” Second, the well-researched battlefield tours – and, subsequently, the books authored by both Hemant and Yaiphaba – have underlined the need to go beyond the identifiable British, INA, and Japanese war cemeteries and memorials. Instead, such resources explore how battlefield sites are embedded in Manipur’s landscape. According to Hemant, some of these sites could be a short drive from home for residents of Manipur, who could look at a familiar place (and its connections to the rest of the world) differently. 16 ‘Video and Podcast: Imphal, Scene of the Greatest Battles of World War II’, Hindustan Times , 26 August 2016. Hemant also refers to the fact that it was now possible to travel places like Manipur, which was formerly restricted on account of insurgency, and more places of leisure were necessary not only for visitors to the state but also for local residents. Hemant and Yaiphaba emphasize the battlefield landscape of peaks, streams, and abandoned airfields that dot the Imphal valley and its surroundings. This is a unique feature of their tours, whereby battles can be brought back to life, beyond the typical memorials and museums. They recently expanded the scope of battlefield tourism across the border in Myanmar with the Burma Campaign Tour circuit, but these excursions could not continue due the COVID-19 pandemic and the civil strife after the Myanmar’s 2021 military coup.

The tours in Manipur are often customized. For instance, some clients come in search of a particular family member who fought there. They are also personalized and lively due to the interesting oral histories collected by Yaiphaba, which are often peppered with amusing anecdotes and his sense of humor. It is the rootedness in local historical geography, the human stories, and the simultaneous connection to a shared global wartime past that advance alternate renderings of history [Fig. 3]. These alternative renderings are more subtle than top-down historiography, and they allow navigational possibilities that state-owned sites and narratives lack. However, while such ground-up initiatives scale up local places and histories, there are also limits to being able to transcend triumphalism and colonial knowledge based stereotypes. This is partly due to the fact that such narratives are still based on Anglophone sources (although this may now change with greater Japanese and local participation).

The past and present are intertwined, and different, often competing histories overlap with each other as well as with global connections that are not limited to linking memory to particular places. War tourism and the resurgence of these memories has ultimately stirred local recollections of WWII, and these are, in turn, producing new knowledge and a remembrance culture. On the one hand, these can challenge and diversify predominant Eurocentric and nation-centric narratives; on the other hand, there is a danger of reproducing and perpetuating tropes that are easily appropriated by nationalistic jingoism. On a parting note, Hemant tells me, “It is interesting to see how often Western authors and media use the word 'forgotten' to describe the battles of Imphal and Kohima or even the entire Burma Campaign in general. But this is a very Eurocentric perspective and, until recently, even an Indian one.”

Far from being a ‘forgotten’ war in a remote periphery, the view from India’s Northeast also suggests how the region was the epicenter of a global imperial war, one that shaped a new international order. Even if momentarily, Manipur, Naga Hills, and adjoining areas in Burma had become a center of worldwide significance, and today the memory of that significance is also tied to regional aspirations of inter-Asian and global connectivity.

Aditya Kiran Kakati is an affiliated Research Fellow at the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) in Leiden, the Netherlands, and an Early-Postdoctoral Mobility Fellow, granted by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) in the University of Amsterdam and SOAS, University of London, United Kingdom. Email: [email protected]

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Honoring our fallen soldiers at national war memorial delhi – the pride of incredible india.

“When you go home, tell them of us, and tell that for their tomorrow, we gave our today”, is a famous eulogy for the soldiers who died in the battlefield of Kohima in 1944. John Maxwell Edmonds was the author of this eulogy and since its first usage, this one line has been the most correct description of the sacrifices of the soldiers. Keeping the same sentiment intact, the National War Memorial in Delhi is an epitome of sacrifice of the martyrs of India during World War 1 and third Anglo Afghan War. It is a must visit place in New Delhi near India Gate. The memorial serves as an inspiration for future generations to defend the sovereignty and integrity of our country.

Here is everything you need to know about National War Memorial Delhi.

Also Check Out: Delhi Tourism Guide

Origin of National War Memorial

National War Memorial Delhi- Delhi Tourism

The first talk about a National War Memorial started in 1960 when the armed forces of our country requested the government for the commemoration of fallen soldiers at a War Memorial. However, the project never really took off. Followed by a persistent demand in the year 2006, the UPA government formed a committee to overlook the demands of armed forces. In 2015, the current NDA government approved the construction of the memorial near India Gate, honoring the sacrifice of soldiers during multiple wars. Although the memorial was slated to open in August 2018, it was finally inaugurated on February 25, 2019.

Significance of National War Memorial Delhi

Built in the vicinity of India Gate, which is also called All India War Memorial, the National War Memorial pays homage to the soldier who laid their lives during the Indo-Sino war of 1962, Indo-Pak war of 1947, 1965, 1971 and Kargil Conflict of 1999 and India’s Peacekeeping Force Operations in Sri Lanka . The memorial would honor 25,942 fallen soldiers. The National War memorial is a symbol of victory and national pride of citizens. It invokes a sense of gratitude for the armed forces of our country.

Best Places to Visit in One Day Delhi Sightseeing Tour

Interesting Fact about National War Memorial Delhi

For the design of the Memorial, a global competition was held. The contest was launched through MyGov.in portal and sP+a Studios from Mumbai won the design for the War Museum, while Chennai based WeBe Design Lab’s design for the memorial was declared the winner.
Projected to be a popular tourism attraction in Delhi, the National War Memorial was built at a cost of 176 Crores.
One of the best patriotic places to visit in Delhi, the war memorial houses an eternal flame similar to India Gate. The flame represents the immortality of their sacrifice. It represents that their sacrifice will always be remembered by the citizens of India.
The memorial has 16 walls and the pattern of the wall resembles a chakravyuh, an ancient Indian war formation.
The National War Memorial also houses the statues of 21 Param Vir Chakra Awardees at the Param Yodha Sthal.
The lighting scheme in the memorial is designed to highlight the details, materials and colours within the complete landscape. It also enhances the emotive and visual experience.
The lighting at Rakshak Chakra reflects solidity and duality, The Tyag Chakra reflects supreme sacrifices, Veerta Chakra highlights bravery and victory and the eternal flame is a sign of purity.
The stone murals, Tyag Chakra Totems and Veerta Chakra bronze murals will also captivate the mind of the visitors.

Also Read: Information About Popular Memorials in Delhi

How to Reach National War Memorial?

Located near the famous Delhi tourism attraction of India Gate, National War Memorial can be easily accessed through public or private transport.

National War Memorial Location : India Gate

Nearest Metro Stations

Violet Line – Khan Market 2 km, Janpat 2 km
Yellow Line – Udyog Bhawan 2.5 km and Central Secretariat 2.5km
Blue Line – Mandi House 1.5km and Pragati Maidan 2.5km

Entry Fee and Visiting Time for the Memorial

Ariel View of National War Memorial Delhi

There is no entry fee for visiting the National War Memorial in Delhi.

Timings for National War Memorial: Open on all days of the week, the timings for the War Memorial Delhi is from 9 am to 7:30 pm. However, the timings are supposed to change after March. From April, the timings would be 9 am to 8:00 pm. However, the entry to the memorial is restricted on certain days.

Tourist Attractions to Visit Near National War Memorial

India Gate : India Gate is another famous war memorial commemorating Indian soldiers who died in World War 1 and Third Anglo-Afghan War.
Rashtrapati Bhawan : Another popular tourist attraction near the National War Memorial is the President House. With a special permit, you can visit the inside of the buildings.
Rajpath: Formerly known as Kingsway, the ceremonial boulevard between India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan is a significant spot. The Republic Day parade marches on this road.
Humayun’s Tomb : A UNESCO World Heritage site, the monument was built by Bea Begum, wife of Humayun. It is the tomb of the famous Mughal Emperor. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi near the National War Memorial.
Agrasen Ki Baoli : The famous Baoli has been made popular after it was part of numerous Bollywood movies. There are many gothic stories about its origin and powers which can only be verified by visiting here. You must visit Agrasen Ki Baoli if you are a history buff.

If you are in a quest to explore the best of Indian tourism then it is absolutely essential to know about the significance of national monuments of India. The National War Memorial is a pride of citizens as it commemorates the sacrifice of Indian Soldiers. You must see the National War Memorial to know about the greatest warriors behind the making of Incredible India safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the location of the national war memorial delhi.

The National War Memorial is located near India Gate.

What is the nearest Metro Station to the National War Memorial?

Violet Line - Khan Market 2 km, Janpat 2 km
Yellow Line - Udyog Bhawan 2.5 km and Central Secretariat 2.5km
Blue Line - Mandi House 1.5km and Pragati Maidan 2.5km

What are the visiting timings for the National War Memorial?

November to March -9:00 am to 7:30pm
April to October - 9:00am to 8:00pm

Is there any ticket fee for the National War Memorial?

The visit to the National War Memorial is absolutely free.

Do we need to purchase any tickets for visiting the National War Memorial?

No, you don’t need any tickets to visit the National War Memorial.

What is the best time to visit the National War Memorial?

Evening time is the best time to visit the National war memorial. You will be able to enjoy the retreat drill and lighting scheme.

Published: 11 Jan, 2022

About the author

Born and brought up in the Lucknowi tehzeeb, Ashwini wishes to someday settle in a quaint little town in the Himalayas. If you do not find him daydreaming about his travel plans, you’ll find him exploring the vastness of Youtube and Netflix. A travel romantic and a cricket fanatic, he also wishes to try every cuisine ever made in this world.

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Remembering The Second World War in North East India

Deepak Naorem

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The North East frontier region of British India and the dense jungles of Burma hosted some of the fiercest battles between the Japanese army and the Allied forces during the Second World War. In a survey conducted by the National Army Museum, London, the decisive twin battles of Imphal and Kohima , fought between March and July 1944, were voted some years ago as "Britain’s greatest battle" of the modern era, edging out the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo and the D-Day landings during the Second World War. The twin battles are today narrated in multiple ways: each representing the different perspectives of the British Empire, of the Japanese Empire and the independent Indian state. None of these explicitly represent the local memories and histories of the war, which are discussed only as the setting of the narratives (Naorem 2019).

Memorialising the war

The end of the war, known in Meetei as the Japan Laan, was followed by celebrations and commemorations by the Allies; and trauma and introspection amongst the Japanese. Monuments and museums were commissioned by the British empire to commemorate the victory. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission took over the graves of the Allied soldiers in the region and maintained them as memorial sites. Military histories, as well as memoirs, biographies, and autobiographies of Allied war veterans, narrated the personal and regimental contributions, experiences, and sacrifices that resulted in in the defeat of the invading Japanese army and the defence of the British empire in Asia.

Japanese historians and the public interpret the twin battles as a devastating blunder which led to the unnecessary death of thousands of Japanese soldiers.

For the Japanese state and public, the disastrous defeat in Imphal and Kohima, along with the later experience of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, shaped their remembrance and commemoration of the war. Between 50,000 and 80,000 Japanese soldiers lost their lives during and after their failed campaign to capture Imphal. A large number of Japanese casualties came during their torturous retreat from Imphal, with many dying of exhaustion, starvation and malaria on the "Road of Bones" back to Burma. Japanese historians and the public interpret the twin battles as a devastating blunder that led to the unnecessary death of thousands of Japanese soldiers.

Post the war, the Japanese thus advocated peace and reconciliation. The Burma Campaign Society was set up in 1983 to facilitate reconciliation between the Allied and Japanese war veterans and their families. The Japanese government has sent out bone collecting missions to search and bring back remains of Japanese soldiers, to be cremated at peace memorials in the presence of their family members (Trefalt 2017). Japanese organisations have also set up memorials and museums, like the peace memorial at Maibam Lotpa Ching in Manipur in 1994 to commemorate 50 years of the battle, and the Imphal Peace Museum in 2019.

Commemorations and histories of the war by the Indian state placed the North East, otherwise outside the landscape of the national movement, within the scope of nationalist histories.

Once the princely state of Manipur and the Naga Hills were integrated into the Indian Union, many episodes of local histories were appropriated by a national history. Among them was the history of the Indian National Army (INA) and its recruitment of locals. The Indian government built a memorial in 1967 to commemorate the INA, Subash Chandra Bose, and the heroic exploits of local recruits during the war. Such commemorations and histories of the war by the Indian state placed the North East, otherwise outside the landscape of the national movement, within the scope of nationalist histories (Naorem 2019).

War tourism

Remembering the war has also had Japanese, British, and American war veterans touring the North East. While such trips have been going on for a long time, it was not easy for the veterans to get the necessary permits. With the lifting in 2010 of the 60-year-old Protected Area Permit regime, which had restricted the entry of foreigners into the region, a thriving war tourism industry has emerged in Manipur and Nagaland.

These tours are enthralling to the Americans, British, Japanese, Australians, and Indians from other states; [but] little emphasis is given to local histories and memories of the war.

Several NGOs, war veterans and their organisations, local historians, guides, and local war enthusiastic individuals have played a vital role in developing this war tourism. The Second World War-Imphal Campaign Foundation was instituted in 2009 to conduct archaeological digs at battle sites, collect artifacts and oral narratives about the war, build a local museum, and spread awareness of the war among the people. Subsequently, tour operators also started operating guided tours for war veterans and their families to visit the graves and memorials in the region. New itineraries now take people to the original battle fields, the villages, the sites for camps, trenches, airstrips and jungles. While these tours are enthralling to the Americans, British, Japanese, Australians, and Indians from other states; little emphasis is given to local histories and memories of the war. They continue to privilege the existing narratives of the twin battles, and are designed from specific episodes from the imperial narratives of the war.

The voices from the archives

In contrast to these memorialisations, is it possible to write a local history of the twin battles? In the recent years, many sociologists and historians have conducted extensive ethnographies in the region to collect local memories of the war, which will eventually contribute to writing local histories. However, the colonial archives themselves contain rich documentations of local experiences of war and testimonies of the locals in form of petitions, testimonies before state agencies and committees and in reports compiled by colonial administrators. Even though such testimonies were mediated by colonial power, one can recover their voices from these documentations in the colonial archives.

People spoke of how the invasion was foretold in a prophecy about nongpok thong hangba, ‘the opening of the eastern gates’, bringing in an army from the east to liberate the region.

Before the actual battles, the war reached the region in the form of rumours. By January 1941, in Manipur, people spoke of how the invasion was foretold in a prophecy about nongpok thong hangba, ‘the opening of the eastern gates’, bringing in an army from the east to liberate the region from the colonial rulers. In a year’s time though, it was war refugees fleeing the Japanese invasion of Burma who would swarm into Imphal from the east. They included Indian workers from Rangoon, British families and dispersed soldiers of different ethnicities, all numbering around 200,000 people.

As Japanese bombings began, most of the inhabitants of Imphal themselves vacated their houses and took shelter in the peripheral areas. Forced displacement, loss of properties, severe inflation and scarcity of essential commodities, hunger, starvation and diseases were common war experiences among local people in the region. The Allied army’s massive purchases of essential commodities from the market led to shortages and steep increase in prices. The price of rice increased to Rs 60 per maund in 1943 from Rs 1 in 1940. Houses were occupied or destroyed by the Allied army. In Imphal itself, as many as 20,000 houses were converted into barracks, while another 9,103 houses were burnt to make space. Standing crops were destroyed to build airstrips. A large area outside Imphal and in the hills was also burnt by the Allied forces to deny the Japanese army any resources during their advance to Imphal.

While the rest of India was celebrating independence, people in Manipur and the Naga Hills for long remembered 15 August 1947 for the thousands of rejected compensation petitions.

The archives contain several thousands of petitions that were filed seeking monetary compensation for the destruction. The large number of petitions overwhelmed the colonial administration, which arbitrarily fixed 15 August 1947 as the deadline for submitting them. Some petitions demanded compensation for small loses such as a pig taken away by the Allied soldiers. Others were for large amounts. Chaoba Singh from Sagolband claimed loses of Rs 137,625. A contractor, he had provided firewood to the Allied army before he and his wife were captured by the Japanese army and imprisoned in Rangoon. When the Allies recaptured Rangoon in 1945, he was re-imprisoned by them. Singh wrote in his petition that the Allied administration refused to pay for his services before his capture, and his properties were either destroyed or confiscated by them. His claim was however rejected as he failed to submit his petition before the deadline. While the rest of India was celebrating independence, people in Manipur and the Naga Hills for long remembered 15 August 1947 for the thousands of rejected compensation petitions and the monetary losses.

Even for petitions that made it in time, the administration denied compensation for hill districts of Manipur and the Naga Hills, where most destructions took place. The government had categorised most of the hill districts in the region as "enemy territory", since they were temporarily occupied by the Japanese army, and it was only ready to take responsibility for damages done by the Allied army. The local administration was asked to wait for war reparations from Japan before any further action on these petitions from the erstwhile enemy territories. Despite these claims, the Indian government of Jawaharlal Nehru withdraw all further demands from the Japanese and settled the issue of reparation with the India-Japan peace treaty of 1952.

The entire population of Naorem Utrapat was evicted by the army in 1942. When the villagers returned in 1945, they could hardly recognize the landscape: houses and crops had been burnt and the entire village was in ruins.

Even in areas held by the Allies, demands for compensation was often denied, as in the case of the villagers of Naorem Utrapat, located very close to the headquarters of the 17th Division of the Allied army. The entire population of Naorem Utrapat was evicted by the army in 1942. When the villagers returned in 1945, they could hardly recognize the landscape: houses and crops had been burnt and the entire village was in ruins. The villagers applied for compensation individually in 1946 and as a group in 1949, but they were continuously denied, leading to litigation in the against the union and the state government in the 1950s and 60s. The issues of relief, rehabilitation and compensation were taken up by most of the political parties in the region, with several political rallies and meetings held demanding the release of war compensation. E.P. Moon, the chief commissioner of Manipur, though, dismissed these demands as a communist conspiracy.

War and peace and statemaking

These post-war issues such as relief, rehabilitation, reparation, and compensation provided a platform for entry of Indian state and its institutions in the region. This built upon the wartime and postwar colonial administration that had facilitated the process of a more direct colonial control in the region. Looking at the local history of the region from the perspective of the war, it is clear that war-related issues significantly dominated the discourse of local politics into the 1960s. Local histories have failed to capture this significance of the war for the various political development leading to the consolidation of the former North-eastern frontier for the new Indian union.

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Deepak Naorem teaches history at Daulat Ram College, New Delhi.

The India Forum welcomes your comments on this article for the Forum/Letters section. Write to: [email protected]

Bayly, Christopher and Tim. Harper (2004). Forgotten Armies: Britain’s Asian empire and the War with Japan. Penguin.

Naorem, Deepak (2020). ‘ Japanese invasion, war preparation, relief, rehabilitation, compensation and ‘ state-making’ in an imperial frontier (1939–1955) ’ Asian Ethnicity 21 (1): 96-121.

Trefalt, Beatrice (2017). ‘ Collecting Bones: Japanese Mission for Repatriation of War Remains and Unfinished Business of Asia-Pacific war ’. Australian Humanities Review 61: 145-159.

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These historical battlefields in India will take you back in time

Source: IndianExpress

Photo of These historical battlefields in India will take you back in time by Sonal Agarwal

India has seen several battles in the past; Some were before the British Raj, and some were after. These battles have had a significant impact on Indian history and are mostly responsible for how things turned out for us. There are many travellers, who love to explore destinations with a violent past. It gives them an insight into the social, cultural and historical aspect of the places. Battlefield Tourism has relatively become famous in India because there are many states in the country that has fought invaders and are proud of it. This kind of tourism is also helping such states to promote tourism in a new way. If you are also in the fables of bravery and warriors and want to travel to places with such stories, then here is a list of seven battlefield destinations in India.

Kalinga War

Dhauli, a town located 8kms away from the city of Bhubaneswar, is said to be the site of Kalinga War. Kalinga War, fought in 262 B.C, is claimed to be one of the most violent wars in Indian history. The battle was fought between the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and Kalinga, which was then commanded by a feudal lord. Ashoka won the battle at the cost of hundreds of lives, and this was the changing point in his life, as well as, in Indian history. He adopted Buddhism and swore to never physically harm anyone.

Kalinga Mahotsav is organised every year in Orissa to celebrate the indirect victory of peace over war. It takes place at the Dhauli Shanti Stupa every year. The festival includes performances by many martial artists with music and dance. It was held in February this year.

How to get there:

By Air: The nearest airport to Dhauli is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. Dhauli is 35kms away from Bhubaneswar.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Dhauli is the Bhubaneswar Railway Station. Dhauli is 35kms away from Bhubaneswar.

By Road: There are several buses that connects Dhauli to the main cities like Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.

Best time to visit:

The best month to visit Dhauli is February. This is because the Kalinga Mahotsav takes place during this time.

Where to stay:

For Budget Travellers: Nirupama Hotel Dhabaleswar ( ₹999 per night )

For Mid Range Travellers: Swagat Inn ( ₹1125 per night )

For Luxury Travellers: Day Dream ( ₹2500 per night )

Battle of Panipat

Panipat is a city set in the state of Haryana and has seen three significant wars. The first battle of Panipat took place in 1526 between the Mughal Ruler Babur and the King of Delhi Sultanate Ibrahim Lodhi. This battle marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India. The second battle of Panipat took place between the Mughal Emperor Akbar and King Hem Chandra Vikramaditya (Hemu) in 1556. Hemu lost this battle. The third battle of Panipat took place in 1761 between the Maratha Empire and the invaders from Afghanistan. All the three battles have played an important role in carving Indian history. Find out more about these in the Panipat Museum. Visit the Kabuli Shah Mosque built by Babur and Ibrahim Lodhi’s grave.

By Air: The nearest airport to Panipat is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Panipat is 86kms away from Delhi.

By Train: The railway station in Panipat is called the Panipat Junction. It is well connected with other main railway stations across the state.

By Road: There are several buses that connects Panipat to other cities. There are two main bust stops here.

Best time to visit:

The best months to visit Panipat are from October to March. This is when temperatures are mild and weather is pleasant. Pleasant weather makes it easier to explore the place.

For Budget Travellers : My India ( ₹1500 per night )

For Mid Range Travellers: D'OLIVES ( ₹2500 per night )

For Luxury Travellers: Hotel Luxmi Residency ( ₹4800 per night )

Battle of Talikota

The Battle of Talikota was fought between Deccan Sultanates and Vijayanagara Empire in 1565. Talikota is a town in the Bijapur District of Karnataka. The defeat was the starting point of the disintegration of Vijayanagara Empire. Karadi, another town in Karnataka, is the actual place where the battle took place.

Find out more in the ruins of Talikota Fort that still remains in the town as a symbol of the battle. Make sure to visit the village of Karadi, where locals will reveal many different perspectives of the battle. Museums in Bijapur has weapons stored from the battle.

How to get there: The nearest well connected place from Talikota is Bijapur. The distance between them is 85kms and the easiest way to reach Talikota is by hiring a private taxi from Bijapur.

By Air: The nearest airport to Bijapur is the Belgaum Airport in Karnataka. Bijapur is 200kms away from the airport.

By Train: The railway station in Bijapur is called the Bijapur Railway Station. It is well connected with other main cities like Mysore and Hyderabad.

By Road: There are several buses that connects Bijapur to other cities like Bengaluru, Mysore and Hyderabad.

The best months to visit Taikota are from October to February. Winters are the best time to explore historic locations and Talikota can get really hot in summers.

For Budget Travellers: Hotel Megharaj ( ₹900 per night )

For Mid Range Travellers: Sabala Heritage Home ( ₹1800 per night )

For Luxury Travellers: Kyriad by Citrus Vijayapura ( ₹2500 per night )

Haldi Ghati Road

Battle of haldi ghati.

Haldighati located in the Rajsamand District of Rajasthan is famous for the battle fought between the Rajput Ruler Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The battle was fought in 1576 and the region still symbolises bloodshed. Maharana Pratap lost this battle but could not be captured. Find out more about this battle in the museum of Haldighati in Udaipur, open on all days.

How to get there: The nearest well connected place from Haldighati is Udaipur. The distance between them is 40kms and the easiest way to reach Haldighati is by hiring a private taxi from Udaipur.

By Air : The nearest airport to Udaipur is the Maharana Pratap Airport.

By Train: The railway station in Udaipur is called the Udaipur City railway station.

By Road: There are several buses that connects Udaipur to other cities like Ahmadabad, Jaipur and Indore.

The best months to visit Haldighati are from September to March. Avoid extreme winter months like December and January. With no fog and cool weather, travelling becomes enjoyable.

For Budget Travellers: Hotel Meenakshi ( ₹1500 per night )

For Mid Range Travellers: Hotel Poonam Haveli ( ₹3000 per night )

For Luxury Travellers: Banjara Retreat ( ₹4500 per night )

Battle of Karnal

Karnal, a town in Haryana, saw a battle in 1739 that aimed to cripple the Mughal Dynasty. The war waged between Nader Shah of the Safavid Empire and Muhammad Shah of the Mughal Dynasty. Visit Karnal to know more about this battle and the story of Kohinoor Diamond.

By Air: The nearest airport to Karnal is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Delhi is 140kms from Karnal

By Train: The railway station in Karnal is called the Karnal Railway Station..

By Road: There are several buses that connects Karnal to other cities like Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi.

The best months to visit Haldighati are from October to March. Karnal summers are not easy to tolerate, so book your tickets accordingly.

For Budget Travellers: OYO Rooms Kunjpura Road Karnal ( ₹1200 per night )

For Mid Range Travellers: Hotel Dreamz Residency ( ₹2195 per night )

For Luxury Travellers: The Vivaan Hotel & Resorts ( ₹6000 per night )

Battle of Plassey

Originally known as Palashi, Plassey is a small village in Nadia District of Bengal. The village gained historical importance after the Battle of Plassey in 1757, which marked the beginning of the British Empire in India. The war was fought between Bengal’s Nawab Siraj-Ud-Daula and British army led by Robert Clive. Get to know more about this battle in the Palashi Monument, which was built in the memory of the Bravehearts. The actual field where the battle happened is now covered with various memorial structures.

How to get there: The nearest well connected place from Palashi is Kolkata. The distance between them is 130kms and the easiest way to reach Palashi is by hiring a private taxi from Kaliganj.

By Air: The nearest airport to Kaliganj is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. Kaliganj is 154kms away from the airport.

By Train: The railway station in Palashi is called the Plassey Railway Station. It is well connected with nearby places and also with Kolkata.

By Road: There are several buses that connects Palashi to other cities like Kolkata and Siliguri.

The best months to visit Palashi are from October to February. Weather is pleasant during this time and you can also attend the famous Durga Puja celebrations in Bengal.

For Budget Travellers: Emerald Residency ( ₹1500 per night)

For Mid Range Travellers: Hotel Golden Palace ( ₹2725 per night)

For Luxury Travellers: Radisson Kolkata Ballygunge ( ₹7500 per night )

Battle of Kohima

The Battle of Kohima took place in 1944, during the Second World War. It was fought between the Japanese army and Indian Army led by British Commanders. The battle took place in three phases and resulted in the favour of India. It stopped another foreign invader to enter the country. Take a trip to Kohima to understand the politics and logistics of the war more clearly. Visit the Kohima War Cemetery and Kohima State Museum to get a better understanding.

How to get there:

By Air: The nearest airport to Kohima is the Dimapur Aiport in Dimapur. Kaliganj is 74kms away from the airport.

By Train: The railway station in Kohima is called the Dimapur Railway Station. It is well connected with nearby places and also with Kolkata and Guwahati.

By Road: There are several buses that connects Kohima to other cities like Dimapur and Guwahati.

Kohima can be visited anytime of the year. If you are looking to attend the Hornbill Festival, then December is the best month for you.

For Budget Travellers: I.K Homestay ( ₹999 per night )

For Mid Range Travellers: Hotel Ariel ( ₹2000 per night )

For Luxury Travellers: Niraamaya Retreats Aradura Kohima ( ₹4000 per night )

If we have missed any spot, then share your list with us here . Also, subscribe to Tripoto's Youtube Channel for more travel ideas.

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India has big opportunities in space and war tourism in post COVID-19 times

Dr Jawahar Surisetti (Photo | http://www.drjawaharsurisetti.com)

PATNA: Psychologist and educationist Dr Jawahar Surisetti said that India's tourism can benefit from people's interest in space and war tourism.

Speaking at Webinar on “Future, Smart, Innovative and Transformative Tourism’ at Bihar’s Hajipur based Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and applied nutrition recently, he said that India does not lack opportunity for innovation in tourism post-COVID-19 scenario because a majority of people will be interested to go for space and war tourism.

Dr Surisetti is globally acclaimed as the thinker professor for his ‘Art of Thinking’ and his ‘Think for India’ movement that advocates for introduction of thinking in education. He had offered his erudite advices to the governments of both India and US many times after being requested and he is an ambassador of skill development for the state of Queensland’.

He said that the space tourism is being pursued by number of developed countries and are working to set up human stay on mission mode. The space is emerging as one of the best-near future sector for tourism.

“India is in the capacity to start working on this project also in the post COVID-19 scenarios in a planed way. I hope this would get a major fancy among the tourists of affluent and adventurous classes," he opined.

Dr Surisetti also listed the feasibility for working on the War tourism in which the tourists now like to visit the places associated with famous historic battles and war like the Haldi-ghati that had witnessed a battle between Maharanaparatap and the Mughal emperor.

"In the field of Shocking-Tourism, the people enjoy taking journey in airbus made with a transparent roof of very thick fibre through which moon and starts are seen at night," he said.

Principal of Hajipur IHM (Indian Hotel Management) Pulak Mandal welcoming the guest speakers brilliantly detailed about the growing opportunities in the tourism sector.

Pulak Mandal, who is himself an acclaimed researcher in the sector of hospitality and tourism sectors, said that the tourism in the post COVID-19 will boom to beat and break the long hang-on of home-stay monotony that has gripped the people in mass.

“And it is done when one visit tourist place, dine with dear and nears in hotel and enjoy nature hospitality as well," he said.

Other prominent who share their erudite expertises were Sumit Chatterjee, HoD and travelogue writer, Kalyan Chatterjee- a renowned culinary-cum-hospitality expert, Pramindar Mitter, Arun Kumar ,Rakesh Das, Ankit Kumar and Satyapriya-all experts of their respective areas of hospitality.

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A Rising India Is Also, in One Remote Pocket, a Blood-Soaked War Zone

An outburst of ethnic hatreds has fractured an ancient kingdom and turned neighbors into enemies.

Buildings and a car that were burned and destroyed.

By Suhasini Raj and Alex Travelli

Photographs by Saumya Khandelwal

Suhasini Raj reported from Churachandpur, Imphal and villages on the frontline of the conflict in Manipur, India. Alex Travelli reported from New Delhi.

People burned out of their homes by the hundreds. Villages, even refugee camps, raked with gunfire. Men, women and children beaten and set ablaze by angry mobs.

India, the world’s most populous country and home to the fastest-growing major economy, is now also the site of a war zone, as weeks of ethnic violence in the remote northeastern state of Manipur has claimed about 100 lives.

Militarized buffer zones now crisscross the state, patrolled by local women — who are seen as less hotheaded than men — and the thousands of troops who have been sent to quell the fighting, drawing down forces in other parts of India, including the border with China.

More than 35,000 people have become refugees, with many living in makeshift camps. Internet service has been cut — an increasingly common tactic by the Indian government — and travel restrictions have made it difficult for the outside world to see in.

The development has been jarring for a nation whose 1.4 billion people usually manage to get along despite belonging to thousands of sometimes rivalrous ethnic groups. And it presents an unwelcome image of instability for a national government focused on portraying India as a rising global power.

“It is a nightmare,” said Mairembam Ratan, a small-town career counselor who escaped his home with help from the army. “It’s a civil war.”

Manipur is now effectively divided into ethnic zones, as long-simmering tensions between two groups — the Meiteis, who form a narrow majority in the state, and hill tribes known as the Kukis — boil over. Citizens who belong to the wrong group may not safely pass. Many have painted their ethnicity on doors, lest their homes be burned in a case of mistaken identity.

The state has been carved up in an effort to prevent the targeted violence that engulfed it in the conflict’s early days. On the evening of May 4, a 20-year-old nursing student, Agnes Neihkhohat Haokip, was in her dormitory in the state capital, Imphal, when a gang of about 40 men stormed in and dragged her away.

“Rape her! Torture her! Cut her into pieces!” Meitei women shouted as the attackers pummeled Ms. Haokip, knocking out her front teeth and biting her hands as she tried to pick up her teeth.

Three weeks later, Ms. Haokip, who is a Kuki, remained in an intensive care unit. Down the hall, in the morgue, lay ample evidence of the civil conflict she had been fortunate to survive: 23 corpses, most with bullet wounds to their chests or stomachs, still unclaimed.

“I am so scared that I cannot push that evening away from my mind,” Ms. Haokip said, sobbing into her hospital pillow. “I worry for my future.”

For centuries, Manipur was an independent kingdom occupying a fertile valley in the forested mountains between Myanmar and what locals still call the Indian “mainland.” A polyglot cradle of culture, the territory — nearer to Vietnam than to Delhi — blended courtly traditions imported from India with the languages and customs brought by waves of East Asian settlers.

The current conflict reflects the scarcity of resources and economic opportunity that defines large parts of India today.

On May 3, a student-led group, mostly Kukis, marched in protest after a court ruled in favor of Meiteis demanding to be classified as “tribals” and given a special status that would allow them to buy land in the hills and guarantee an allotment of government jobs. Armed clashes ensued, and police armories were raided. Within two days, at least 56 people were dead.

While that was the worst of the violence, the bloodshed has not ceased more than a month later, with Kukis suffering most of the deaths.

Resentments between the two groups have been fanned by political leaders. The government of Manipur, a state of 3.7 million people, is controlled by Meiteis. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi guided his Bharatiya Janata Party to power in New Delhi, the state’s chief minister, N. Biren Singh, and his Meitei followers joined the ascendant B.J.P.

Mr. Singh has come down heavily on the side of Meitei grievance. Last year, he conflated migrants from the civil war in Myanmar with their Kuki ethnic kin, stoking fears among Meiteis of an influx of refugees, though very few are in Manipur.

He has blamed Myanmar migrants for the state’s drug addiction problems, accusing them of cultivating poppies. And as forests in this part of India have become coveted as land for tourism, timber and palm-oil plantations, Mr. Singh has said migrants are responsible for deforestation.

His office did not answer repeated requests for comment. But after the violence broke out in May, he called the Kukis who took up arms “terrorists” who were “trying to break Manipur.”

Khuraijam Athouba, a spokesman for the largest civil society group representing the Meitei, accused what he called “Kuki militants” of bringing in illegal immigrants to overpower the Meiteis by sheer numbers. On Wednesday, Mr. Athouba’s group organized a convention that “declared war on illegal narco-terrorists.”

Gen. Anil Chauhan, the country’s top uniformed military officer, rejected the assertion that the Kukis were engaged in terrorism. “This particular situation in Manipur has nothing to do with counterinsurgency and is primarily a clash between two ethnicities,” he said.

Outside of the army, the national government did little on the ground during the first three weeks of Manipur’s conflagration. Mr. Modi said nothing publicly about it, as he was busy campaigning for his party in state elections far away. His right-hand man, the home minister, Amit Shah, arrived in Imphal on May 30 and tried to make peace between the warring parties.

It was not far from Manipur in 2019 that Mr. Shah, at a campaign rally, implied that many of the Muslims who live in the neighboring state of Assam were “infiltrators” from Bangladesh who ought to be driven into the sea.

While sowing religious divisions has been an election-season stock-in-trade of the Hindu nationalist B.J.P., the lines are drawn differently in Manipur. The Meitei people are mostly Hindu, and the Kuki people are mostly Christian. But religion has relatively little to do with the animosity between them.

Ms. Haokip, the woman who was beaten by a mob, is recovering in a hospital in the hills where Kukis predominate. She worries that she will not be able to return to Imphal to finish her nursing studies.

Another Kuki, Chamelen Hangshing, 30, said he and his fellow villagers had exchanged gunfire earlier this week with Meitei vigilantes. A 7-year-old boy was hit in the head by a stray bullet while taking shelter with his family in a government camp. An ambulance tried to take him to a hospital across the Meitei lines, but it was stopped, and three of its passengers, including the boy and his mother, were beaten and burned alive , according to the boy’s uncle, Jeffrey Hangshing.

Meiteis, too, have shared some of the hardship. Robita Moirangthem, a 30-year-old teacher, and her mother fled their home and spent a night hiding in a latrine. “Everything is finished. We don’t have a home anymore,” Ms. Moirangthem said.

“Let us live our lives where our homes are,” she pleaded. “Why take out animosity against us ordinary people?”

Suhasini Raj has worked for over a decade as an investigative journalist with Indian and international news outlets. Based in the New Delhi bureau, she joined The Times in 2014. More about Suhasini Raj

Alex Travelli is a correspondent for The Times based in New Delhi, covering business and economic matters in India and the rest of South Asia. He previously worked as an editor and correspondent for The Economist. More about Alex Travelli

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War tourism: Historic war sites that travellers can visit across the globe

Priya Srivastava , TIMESOFINDIA.COM , TRAVEL TRENDS , WORLD Updated : Feb 25, 2022, 16:13 IST

If you are someone who has always been intrigued by wars that cover the pages of history books, you are definitely a history buff! You can rediscover the past by visiting some of the most epic war sites in the history of mankind. Thousands and lakhs of soldiers sacrificed their lives fighting for their countries at these sites.

Checkout these most important war sites if you are a war tourist:

Oświęcim, Poland

This is one of the most important war sites in the world. The former Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz, was once located in the Oświęcim town. Today, it has been transformed into a memorial and museum to honour the victims.

Pearl Harbour, Hawaii

It was in December 1941 that Japan dropped bombs on Pearl Harbour in Hawaii. This made the US join the Allies in World War II. The surprise attack by Japan on Hawaii claimed a number of lives, from soldiers to nurses and their families living on the island lost their lives. Today, Pearl Harbour has turned into a memorial honouring the innocent victims. Visitors can take a boat to Pearl Harbour and rediscover one of the most historical fights in the history of wars!

Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington DC

Another major event in the history of America is the Vietnam War. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC is a memorial built in the memory of the United States Armed Forces who lost their lives or went missing during the war time. The entry to the memorial is free and it remains open 24 hours a day.

India Gate, Delhi, India

One of the iconic structures in India, the memorial was built in the memory of Indian soldiers, who lost their lives during World War I between 1914 and 1921. Situated some 2 km from the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Rajpath Road, India Gate is a war memorial and one of the most popular attractions in Delhi today.

Vel D’Hiv Monument, France

The Vélodrome d'Hiver, colloquially Vel' d'Hiv', is in Paris, not too far from the Eiffel Tower. Nazis captured Paris in 1942, and arrested all Jews in the city. The event was known as Operation Spring Breeze and the main motive behind this was to eradicate the Jewish people completely from France. The mass-arrest of over 13000 Jews included some 4000 kids, who were transported to the concentration camps. Today, this monument pays tribute to the captured victims.

Independence Hall, Philadelphia

Noted as the Birthplace of America , Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an historic building in America. A must-visit historical site, this place has a lot to offer to people wishing to revisit the history. Interested people can book a tour or just walk through the hall, and learn everything about America's foundation history.

Dunkirk, France

Dunkirk is a coastal city in northern France. In June of 1940, more than 330,000 British soldiers were trapped in Dunkirk and one of the biggest rescue operations in the history of war was carried out, called Operation Dynamo . In 2017, a movie with the same name, Dunkirk, was released that very-well depicted the entire rescue operation.

Dover Castle, Dover, England

The castle in Dover was built by King Henry II for the protection of England, to defend the country against foreign invaders. The castle has several underground tunnels and escape rooms. One can visit it to learn more about England's rich history.

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India's overtourism catastrophe: A looming crisis that calls for urgent action

Gagneet Kaur ,
ETTravelWorld
Updated On Aug 14, 2023 at 10:32 AM IST

CAG Audit report highlights shortcomings of Swadesh Darshan Scheme; suggests actions

The audit report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India revealed that the Ministry initiated the scheme without conducting a feasibility study, resulting in poor project execution and delays. Despite objections, the scheme was launched, ignoring suggestions to consolidate overlapping objectives. The report also laid out suggestions for a streamlined convergence, and improved project evaluation mechanisms for the scheme's success in future.

By Gagneet Kaur ,
Published On Aug 12, 2023 at 09:29 AM IST

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Indian UN staff member killed in Gaza war: What we know so far

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United Nations workers in Gaza Photograph:( Reuters )

Story highlights

Gaza war: the identity of the personnel has not been revealed as yet but the sources cited by the press trust of india said he was a former indian army personnel..

Israel-Hamas war: An Indian personnel with the United Nations was killed in Gaza's Rafah when the vehicle he was travelling in reportedly came under attack in Rafah. This is the "first international" casualty for the United Nations in the Gaza war zone. Another UN staffer was injured in the incident when their vehicle was struck as they travelled to the European Hospital in Rafah.

Indian UN personnel killed in Gaza: What we know so far?

The identity of the personnel has not been revealed as yet but the sources cited by the Press Trust of India said he was a former Indian Army personnel. He worked as a member of staff of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS).

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "was deeply saddened to learn of the death of a United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS) staff member and injury to another DSS staffer when their UN vehicle was struck as they travelled to the European Hospital in Rafah" on Monday (May 13) morning.

A statement issued by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said that Guterres condemned all attacks on UN personnel and called for a full investigation. Guterres sent his condolences to the family of the fallen staff member.

"With the conflict in Gaza continuing to take a heavy toll – not only on civilians but also on humanitarian workers – the Secretary-General reiterates his urgent appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for the release of all hostages," the statement added.

In a post on X, Guterres said the UN vehicle was struck in Gaza, "killing one of our colleagues & injuring another." He said that more than 190 UN staff have been killed in Gaza.

"Humanitarian workers must be protected. I condemn all attacks on UN personnel and reiterate my urgent appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire & the release of all hostages," he said.

Indian personnel killed in Rafah: What happened?

Responding to questions on the incident during the press briefing, Haq said at this point, "We are in the process of informing the relevant governments and the relevant family members, so I wouldn't share any names or nationalities."

He added that they were "international staff".

Haq confirmed that "this is, in fact, the first international UN casualty."

While there have been international casualties involving workers for the World Central Kitchen in Gaza, Haq said that "of UN staff, I believe I've not been previously aware of an international casualty."

Haq added that the vehicle was headed to the hospital "as part of their regular work, they go to different locations to assess security conditions. And this was the European hospital in Rafah."

When asked for details about how their vehicle was struck, Haq said, "This happened fairly recently. We're still accumulating details. We expect to get reports, including from the relevant authorities."

Also read | Israel's Gaza offensive intensifies from north and south; Indian UN staff member killed

Haq added that the UN is "going to set up measures for accountability. A lot of that… requires ultimately for an end to the conflict so that we can work these out, but we will be working with the authorities on the ground to get a restitution for all of those who have been killed."

Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X, "We are devastated to learn about the death" of a UN humanitarian worker and injury of another in Gaza.

"Too many civilian and humanitarian lives have paid the price for this war. Ceasefire and work towards peace," the WHO chief said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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COMMENTS

National War Memorial
National War Memorial represents the gratitude of a Nation to its Armed Forces & serves as a symbol of inspiration for upcoming generations.Here you can see 360 Tour of Rakshak Chakra, Tyag Chakra, Veerta Chakra, Amar Chakra etc. ... India Gate New Delhi - 110001. Phone Numbers. Call timings 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (IST) +91 11 20841356(Landline ...
India's historical battlefields that you can visit
This battle took place in 1944, during the Second World War II. The battle was fought in three phases between the Japanese Army and Indian Army led by the British commanders.
12 war memorials to visit in India
Today, India Gate is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. 2. Chandigarh War Memorial - Chandigarh War Memorial is perhaps the largest War Memorial of the country. A total of 8459 ...
These War Memorials Of India Celebrate The Country's Unsung Heroes
A look at some of India's war memorials that are a must-visit National War Memorial. Image: Courtesy Eatcha, ... Image: Courtesy Chandigarh Tourism. One of the largest war memorials in the country, the Chandigarh War Memorial was inaugurated by former Indian President the late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on 17 August 2006. It bears the eternal names ...
A Complete Guide to War Tourism by Dr Prem
Tawang War Memorial - one of the most spine chilling destinations for war tourism in India. In Arunachal Pradesh, this war memorial is called Namgyal Chortan. More than 40 feet tall, one of the best war memorials stands among the snowy mountains. This is the spot where the Sino-Indian war of 1962 took place.
War tourism in india: The 70th anniversary ...
The visit to Imphal for the 70th Anniversary was enriching, given this was the first-of-its-kind of War Tourism in India. Among the distinguished visitors I could interact with in Imphalwere a group of British scholars, wards of war veterans and the Curator of The Kohima Museum at Imphal Barracks, York. They later left for Kohima to visit the ...
Revisiting India's forgotten battle of WWII: Kohima-Imphal, the ...
The battle for Kohima and Imphal was a decisive turning point in WWII. In India's remote northeast states of Manipur and Nagaland, travelers can visit museums and memorials dedicated to the battle.
How Global War Memory in the Indo-Myanmar Border-Zones is Refashioning
War tourism in Northeast India draws from experiences of becoming part of the China-India-Burma Theatre of war, another "home front" of a global conflict, which was until then governed as the British Indo-Burma frontier. War tourism is a useful entry point to probe questions of broader significance about how historical pasts are constantly ...
Explore the War Travel Zones in India
However, these wars that were fought between 1767 and 1789 were the greatest threat to the British forces ever since they established dominance over India. India has much more to boast of with regard to culture, heritage, history and tourism. Visit these war sites for a virtual travel experience of the lands were they were fought.
War tourism
War tourism is recreational travel to active or former war zones for purposes of sightseeing or historical study. The term may be used pejoratively to describe thrill-seeking in dangerous and forbidden places. In 1988, P. J. O'Rourke applied the pejorative meaning to war correspondents. [1]
National War Memorial Delhi
Tourist Attractions to Visit Near National War Memorial . India Gate: India Gate is another famous war memorial commemorating Indian soldiers who died in World War 1 and Third Anglo-Afghan War. Rashtrapati Bhawan: Another popular tourist attraction near the National War Memorial is the President House. With a special permit, you can visit the ...
Remembering The Second World War in North East India
Published On: April 30, 2024 Updated On: May 06, 2024. The Second World War is memorialised in the North East through narratives of Allied and Japanese veterans, nationalism, and war tourism. Lost in the process is how the war and issues of post-war compensation shaped the integration of the region into India.
Travel Articles
War tourism is a recreational travel that helps in sightseeing and provides great insight to historical study. ... The monument pays homage to Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War ...
These historical battlefields in India will take you back in time
Originally known as Palashi, Plassey is a small village in Nadia District of Bengal. The village gained historical importance after the Battle of Plassey in 1757, which marked the beginning of the British Empire in India. The war was fought between Bengal's Nawab Siraj-Ud-Daula and British army led by Robert Clive.
India has big opportunities in space and war tourism in post COVID-19 times
India has big opportunities in space and war tourism in post COVID-19 times. Dr Jawahar Surisetti said that the space tourism is being pursued by number of developed countries and are working to ...
Manipur, India's Blood-Soaked War Zone
June 9, 2023. People burned out of their homes by the hundreds. Villages, even refugee camps, raked with gunfire. Men, women and children beaten and set ablaze by angry mobs. India, the world's ...
Tourism and Troubles: Effects of Security Threats on the Global Travel
Tourism is one of the largest contributors to gross domestic product (GDP), economic development, and job creation (UNWTO, 2018).Jus and Misrahi (2021) report that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel & tourism sector's direct, indirect, and induced impacts contributed US$9.2 trillion to the global economy and supported 334 million jobs in 2019, while it directly contributed 10.4% of ...
Conflict Between India and Pakistan
Tensions simmered until a skirmish between border controls escalated to a full-blown war in 1965. In 1971, India and Pakistan fought another brief war ... and held a G20 tourism meeting in ...
War tourism: Historic war sites that travellers can ...
War tourism: Historic war sites that travellers can visit across the globe Priya Srivastava , TIMESOFINDIA.COM , TRAVEL TRENDS , WORLD Updated : Feb 25, 2022, 16:13 IST Credit: iStock
war
War Memorial. "Let's PAY TRIBUTE TO OUR SOLDIERS". The memorial is the largest post-Independence war memorial of the country with nearly 8459 names of deceased soldiers, since 1947 from the Army Air Force and Navy. The Place is designed to pay homage to the Jawans located in Bougainvillea garden. It was inaugurated by Late APJ Abdul Kalam ...
India tourism: How 'revenge travel' saved the industry
Tourism constituted almost 3% of India's GDP and generated around 100 million jobs in 2019. But the sector was severely hit in India - like in other countries - when the pandemic struck. Only 2.74 ...
(PDF) TOURISM POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION IN INDIA: A ...
PDF | On Jul 15, 2020, Tanmay Sharma published TOURISM POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION IN INDIA: A CENTER VERSUS STATE TUG-OF-WAR | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate
India's overtourism catastrophe: A looming crisis that calls for urgent
FTAs Data graph by Ministry of Tourism The Ministry of Tourism's recent data reveals that foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in April 2023 reached 6,03,985, showing a 53.7 per cent surge compared to April 2022 and a 22 per cent decline relative to April 2019. For January-April 2023, FTAs escalated to 31,33,751, marking a 166 per cent increase from the same period in 2022.
Helsinki tourism suffers over Ukraine war travel restrictions
2022 India's Top Digital Stars; 30 Under 30 2022; India's 100 Great People Managers 2021; Tycoons of Tomorrow 2021; W-Power 2021; India Rich List 2021; 30 Under 30 2021; India's 100 Great People ...
Indian UN staff member killed in Gaza war: What we know so far
Israel-Hamas war: An Indian personnel with the United Nations was killed in Gaza's Rafah when the vehicle he was travelling in reportedly came under attack in Rafah. This is the "first international" casualty for the United Nations in the Gaza war zone. Another UN staffer was injured in the incident when their vehicle was struck as they travelled to the European Hospital in Rafah.