Imphal, July 22: A remarkable cache of World War II-era relics was unearthed on Tuesday morning in Manipur’s Imphal West district. The items were discovered around four feet underground by construction workers during digging operations in Langthabal, officials confirmed.
The recovered objects include a significant number of rusted empty shell casings, water bottles, spades, tin cans, a hand grenade, and other military paraphernalia. Experts believe these relics belonged to the Allied forces who fought the Battle of Imphal against Japanese troops in 1944.
Officials noted that the Langthabal area is in close proximity to Canchipur Hills, where a major Allied military camp was located during the war. The discovery aligns with historical records of fierce fighting in the region, particularly during the Battles of Imphal and Kohima — decisive encounters that turned the tide of the war in Southeast Asia.
The Battle of Imphal saw the Imperial Japanese Army, along with the Indian National Army (INA), attempt to capture the Imphal Valley from British-led Allied forces. Despite being surrounded, the Allied forces held their ground, resulting in a massive defeat for Japan. More than 54,000 Japanese troops were killed or wounded, while Allied forces suffered over 12,000 casualties.
