Ahead of the 125th Birth Anniversary commemoration of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Darjeeling MP, Raju Bista, who is also the BJP national spokesperson visited the Indian National Army (INA) Museum at Moirang on Saturday.
The MP was accompanied by Khurai MLA and chairman of Loktak Development Authority, L Susindro Meitei.
“I am very delighted to visit the INA Museum at Moirang, where the flag of the INA was first unfurled on April 14, 1944. The museum houses a collection of letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other war memorabilia and is a great reminder of the sacrifices made by INA soldiers and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose for our nation,” Raju said.
He also said that the museum also showcases relics from WW-II that were found in the fields of Manipur such as bullets, bombshells, soldiers' helmets, etc while it has also a gallery of the historical personalities of Manipur as well as one of Manipuri soldiers who were in the INA.
“I feel honoured and privileged that I have been made a part of the High Level Committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who constituted to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose,” he added.
“As we observe a year-long commemoration of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's 125th birth anniversary this year, it is a matter of pride for me that both my Janmabhumi Manipur and my Karmabhumi Darjeeling holds such a special place in the history of India’s freedom struggle,” the BJP national spokesperson said.
He continued that the Moirang INA Museum and Netaji Museum at Giddhey Pahar in Kurseong will be an important part of the celebration and it will educate the people and attract visitors and history enthusiasts from across the country.
The MP also visited the Majestic Loktak Lake, a magical landscape with tiny floating islands, known as ‘Phumdi’.
“The Loktak Lake, besides its natural beauty is deeply entrenched with our local folklore like the timeless romance of Khamba-Thoibi, or the story of Poubi Lai, the mythical creature believed to reside in the heart of the lake. I had raised the issue of conserving Loktak Lake in the Parliament and I am happy to report that the state government is taking all steps to preserve our unique natural heritage,” Raju said.
MP Raju Bista also had an opportunity to visit the local Ima (Mothers’) Market at Moirang, where fish from the Loktak Lake, vegetables and local crafts are sold.
The Ima Markets are the embodiment of women empowerment and like farmers’ markets, but wholly run by women right from its administration to maintenance and security, he said.
“With the improving infrastructure and economic development of our state, I am confident that in the coming days, Manipur and the entire Northeast will drive India’s growth while conveying that the beauty of the land and the warmth of our people is unmatched,” the MP further said.
