Kohima and World War II

Kohima was an important location in the south east Asian arena during World War II. The war between Japan and the Allied armies was partly fought here. In fact NH 39 is built over the original road that was used to march on Imphal after capturing Kohima. The relics from WWII are preserved and displayed in the War Memorial alongside the Tribal Heritage Centre.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose spent time here and in Manipur training and developing the Indian National Army against the British in his own attempt at liberating India from British rule. In this attempt he had to join hands with the Japanese.

Another memorial from WWII is the catholic church on Garrison Hill. The church is another prominent land mark visible due to its prominent location. In fact, I can see it now from the window of my room in Hotel Grandeur. Built with financial assistance from the survivors of the Japanese soldiers who also died in Kohima along with the Indian and Britishsoldiers. The prayer on the plaque in Japanese and English is for World Peace.