A cache of World War 2-era military relics was unearthed on Tuesday morning in Langthabal, Imphal West district, during excavation work for a construction project, officials confirmed.
The relics were discovered approximately four feet below the surface by labourers, triggering immediate interest among local authorities and historians.
Among the items recovered were rusted ammunition casings, a hand grenade, water bottles, spades, tin cans, and several unidentified military supplies. The relics were handed over to Manipur Archeology department.
Officials believe the artefacts are remnants left behind by Allied forces during the historic Battle of Imphal in 1944. The site of discovery is located near Canchipur hills, an area known to have hosted a significant Allied military camp during World War 2.
“This appears to be one of the many scattered remnants of World War 2 in the Imphal valley,” said a local, noting that the items are likely linked to British and Indian soldiers who fought against advancing Japanese forces in the region.
Authorities have launched further excavation efforts at the site to locate additional buried items.
The Battle of Imphal, fought alongside the Battle of Kohima, was one of the fiercest campaigns of the Second World War in Southeast Asia.
From March to July 1944, Imperial Japanese forces, in coordination with Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA), attempted to invade British-held India through Manipur.
However, their advance was repelled by the Allied forces in what later came to be known as one of Britain’s greatest battles, according to the British National Army Museum.
The intense combat in the Imphal valley led to heavy losses on both sides, with over 54,000 Japanese soldiers killed or wounded and more than 12,000 Allied casualties.
Langthabal, located in proximity to several key wartime positions, has often been cited as a potential site for wartime artefacts.
The recent discovery has sparked renewed interest in preserving Manipur’s wartime legacy. Officials have stated they will coordinate with military historians and archaeologists to examine, document, and safeguard the relics.
There are also discussions about potentially exhibiting the items at the Imphal War Museum, which commemorates the state’s critical role during World War 2.
As the excavation continues, experts believe more artefacts may be uncovered in the coming days, offering a deeper insight into the military history buried beneath Manipur’s soil.
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