Titular king and Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba has called on the Central government to take necessary actions to preserve the Koirengei Airfield as a national heritage site, highlighting its historical significance during World War II. In a statement made during the ongoing session of Parliament, he emphasized that the airfield, built between 1942 and 1943 by American engineers, was crucial for the Allied forces’ military operations in the Imphal region. This site was strategically important, functioning as a base for military activities against Japanese forces encroaching on the Imphal Valley, thus serving as a vital wartime location.
Sanajaoba elaborated on the airfield’s role, noting that it hosted thousands of Allied troops and served as a significant point for the eastern front of India during the conflict. Historical accounts reveal that the airfield experienced considerable military engagements involving both Allied and Japanese forces. Furthermore, he mentioned that various wartime constructions, including military airstrips and facilities, were established on-site.
Additionally, the MP highlighted that the airfield acted as a refuge for thousands of displaced individuals from Burma (now Myanmar) and adjacent areas during intense border clashes. Expressing concern for the airfield’s deteriorating condition, he pointed to unregulated construction and the presence of military installations as factors contributing to its decline, expressing the disappointment of the people of Manipur regarding the site’s present state.
Acknowledging the airfield’s rich historical significance and its contributions during World War II, Sanajaoba proposed that it should be recognized and preserved as a National Heritage Site. He argued that taking such steps would help protect and promote its historical value for future generations.