PAPPM Urges PM to Preserve Koirengei Airfield as a WWII Heritage and Peace Park

The People’s Action for Peace and Progress Manipur (PAPPM) has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to preserve the historic Koirengei Airfield as a heritage and tourism site, opposing plans to convert it into a military cantonment. In a memorandum submitted today, the organization emphasized the airfield’s pivotal role in World War II and its potential to boost Manipur’s economy and global recognition through heritage tourism.

Constructed in 1942–43 with support from American engineers, Koirengei Airfield was a linchpin in the Battle of Imphal, a UNESCO-recognized turning point in the Asian theater of World War II. Alongside airstrips like Tulihal and Pallel, it served as a critical supply hub for Allied forces, thwarting Japanese advances into Manipur and India’s northeastern frontier. PAPPM described the airfield as a “living testament” to global history, linking Manipur to the monumental events of the 1940s.

Drawing inspiration from the 2004 restoration of Kangla Fort, which transitioned from a military stronghold to a vibrant cultural and tourism hub, PAPPM argued that Koirengei stands at a similar juncture. Converting the airfield into a military cantonment, the group warned, would limit public access, exacerbate urban pressures in the rapidly growing Imphal city, and fuel local resentment tied to the militarization of culturally significant sites.

Instead, PAPPM proposed transforming Koirengei into a cornerstone of a WWII Heritage Circuit, connecting Imphal, Kohima, and other globally recognized wartime sites. Such a development, the memorandum noted, could attract visitors from Japan, Britain, the United States, and beyond, tapping into the rising popularity of WWII heritage tourism. The project could create jobs through museums, guided tours, and cultural festivals while showcasing Manipur’s role in the global fight for freedom.

The organization urged the Prime Minister to declare Koirengei a protected heritage site and develop it into a WWII Heritage and Peace Park, complete with memorials, museum facilities, and cultural infrastructure. This initiative, PAPPM argued, would not only preserve history but also position Manipur as a global hub for heritage tourism, fostering national integration and echoing the transformative impact of Kangla’s restoration two decades ago.

Signpost NewsDesk

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