IT News
Imphal March 27,
In a colourful event to commemorate 75th anniversary of the Battle of Shangshak, 10 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of IGAR(South) organized a motorcycle rally from Ukhrul to Shangshak war memorial on 26 March 19. The Battle of Shangshak epitomizes Civil-military cooperation during the intense adversities of war. In addition to the soldiers from 50 Parachute Brigade consisting of two Parachute Battalions and 4 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY Regiment, a large number of Manipuris including Tangkhul Nagas laid down their life in one of the fiercest battles fought during World War-II. The Battle of Shangshak was a turning point in the war against advancing Japanese might. The Japanese had launched the entire Division against the small garrison at Shangshak. The battle inflicted heavy casualties on both sides leading to inadvertent delay to Japanese advance towards Kohima.
A total of 40 motorcycle riders under Additional DIG, 10 Sector Assam Rifles including officers, soldiers and local youth participated in the rally and traversed difficult mountaneous route covering important historical villages of World War-II between Ukhrul and Shangshak. Hao Riders, a motorcycle club based in Ukhrul consisting of 25 young riders also participated in the rally to commemorate the event. The rally was flagged off from TNL ground Ukhrul at 0900hours and concluded at Shangshak war memorial.
A war memorial service was organized to pay homage to fallen war heroes of World War II who made supreme sacrifice in highest tradition of soldiering during the battle. Shangshak Batallion Assam Rifles conducted the wreath laying ceremony including guard of honour at Shangshak war memorial on 26 March 2019. The officer and soldiers from 4 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY Regiment which was part of the battle, laid wreath to remember their fallen bravehearts. The memorial is located atop village Shangshak and the ceremony was attended by many civil and military dignitaries including nearby villagers, veterans and ex-servicemen to remember the battle which shaped history. The ex-servicemen were felicitated during the event. The event has kickstarted the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal.
