Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh unveiled a memorial stone for victims of the 1943 Japanese aerial bombing at Khurai Chingangbam Leikai and laid the foundation stone for a Women Market Shed at New Checkon, Imphal, during the 83rd Commemoration of the Khurai Chingangbam Mandop Aerial Bombing.
IMPHAL — Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today unveiled a memorial stone at Khurai Chingangbam Leikai in Imphal East, erected in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the Japanese aerial bombing of April 20, 1943. The event marked the 83rd Commemoration of the tragic incident, historically known as the Khurai Chingangbam Mandop Aerial Bombing.
Paying tribute to the innocent civilians who perished during World War II, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh reflected on the painful memories associated with the historic event. He noted that the aerial bombing of Khurai Chingangbam Mandop was a tragic chapter in history that claimed the lives of more than a hundred innocent people and left a deep and lasting impact on Manipuri society. He also led the gathering in offering Tarpan to the departed souls, and a commemorative souvenir was released to mark the occasion.
Glimpses from the 83rd Commemoration of the Japanese Aerial Bombing at Khurai Chingangbam Mandop, held today at Multipurpose Hall, Khurai Thangjam Leikai, Imphal East, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister Shri Kh. Loken Singh and Hon’ble MLA Shri Th. Arunkumar Singh.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) April 20, 2026
Paid floral… pic.twitter.com/xxoRT3aZFX
The Chief Minister recalled that the Battle of Imphal in 1943–44 was one of the fiercest and most significant battles of the Second World War, fought between the Allied forces and the Japanese Army, resulting in the loss of more than 20,000 lives. He noted that such commemorations serve as an important reminder of this painful chapter in history.
Regarding a proposal to recognise the historic bombing site as a heritage site, the Chief Minister stated that the government would look into the matter.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh appealed to the public to maintain calm and cooperation, observing that bandhs and disruptions cause significant hardship to daily wage earners and the general public. He stressed the importance of peace, unity, and collective responsibility.
Government's Response to Tronglaobi Tragedy
Speaking in connection with the recent tragic incident at Tronglaobi, the Chief Minister stated that the government takes the matter seriously and had already held meetings with the Joint Action Committee on two occasions. He said the government had acknowledged the concerns raised by the public and the demands put forward, including support for the bereaved family.
He further informed that the government had proposed providing suitable state government jobs to both parents of the deceased children.
Foundation Stone for Women Market
On the same occasion, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a Women Market Shed at New Checkon, Imphal. The market shed is intended to strengthen local infrastructure and provide improved facilities for women vendors in the area.
Laid the foundation for the Women Market Shed at New Checkon today, along with the Hon’ble MLA of Wangkhei A/C, another step towards faster, people-centric development.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) April 20, 2026
This project will directly benefit our Emas by providing a safer, more organised space for their daily… pic.twitter.com/qRZ9AYKcco
The programme was attended by Art and Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, MLA of Wangkhei Assembly Constituency Thangjam Arunkumar Singh, and Director of Health Services Manipur Dr. N. Hemantakumar Singh. Eminent personalities including members of the Chingangbam Mandop Sevayat Committee and the 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation were also present.
