Newmai News Network
Imphal | August 3
The Manipur Government is planning to upgrade four museums in Manipur to international standard soon. This was disclosed by Manipur Art & Culture minister, L Jayantakumar Singh on Saturday.
The four museums include Indian National Army (INA) Museum at Moirang, Manipur State Museum in Imphal and two museums inside Kangla in the heart of Imphal.
Jayantakumar Singh said this while speaking as chief guest at the launching of two day National Seminar on INA and North East India held at INA Martyrs’ Complex, Moirang in south Manipur in connection with the commemoration of 75th Anniversary of Indian National Army (INA) and Provisional Government of Free United India which is being organized by Maulana Abul Kalam Institute of Asian Studies, MAKAIAS, Kolkata.
The minister also said that, despite being an intrinsic part of the Indian freedom struggle, the historical significance of Moirang is unfortunately unknown to many people in the country. "There is a need to propagate and create awareness on the significance of Moirang to the people of mainland India and beyond," he added.
The minister then said that the Seminar will be a great historical moment which aims to cover the initial days of the INA, Japanese military intelligence operation and arrival of Subhas Chandra Bose and the enlarged INA and United Free India Provisional Government under his leadership, he added.
Jayantaumar then maintained that the seminar will discover the important role played by the heroic forces of INA from the North east region of India.
"The people of North East India played a significant part and with their sustained efforts raised and maintained the structure of INA," he said.
"The Battle of Imphal and the Battle of Kohima which is recognized as one of the greatest battles fought during the freedom struggle of India," he further said. The contribution of people of North East region in this battle made them the greatest freedom fighters of the country, he added.
The inaugural function was also graced by P Sharat Singh, MLA, Moirang, assembly constituency, Dr Mundayat Sasikumar, Director, MAKAIAS Kolkata, Professor TV Kattimani, Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh as Guests of honor
Research scholars, teachers, students from different colleges of the state, officials from Art and Culture Department senior citizens were also present at the opening function.
