Shangshak in Ukhrul district of Manipur had been a witness to one of the bloodiest battles of the Eastern theatre in March 1944. The onslaught of 31 Division of the Japanese Imperial Army during the second World War was halted here for ten days by the brave soldiers of 50 Parachute Brigade. Soldiers of 4 Maratha Light Infantry and 152 Para Battalion, as part of 50 Parachute Brigade, made sterling contribution during this battle. The Japanese, after having gained partial success in the Imphal Valley, wanted to open another axis through Ukhrul and attack Imphal from the north to take control of Imphal - Kohima Road . This move would have enabled the Japanese forces to hasten their advance towards the plains of Assam. Such a move would have totally tilted the balance against the Allies, and this would have possibly changed the course of history.

The resistance at Shangshak was sustained by 4 Maratha under the leadership of Lt Col Trim by inflicting heavy losses on the Japanese in order to thwart their attacks on Kohima. In recognition of their valiant stand at Shangshak, 4 Maratha Light Infantry was conferred with the battle honour Shangshak.

To give a befitting tribute to the soldiers and villagers who laid down their lives in this battle, 25 Assam Rifles raised a war memorial at Shangshak. The people of Shangshak also contributed to its construction.

The memorial was inaugurated by Lt Gen GK Duggal, Director General, Assam Rifles. The ceremony was attended by a large number of people includings serving officers, jawans and local people. A wreath-laying ceremony was also conducted at the memorial in which war veterans of 4 Maratha Light Infantry who participated in the ‘Battle of Shangshak’ laid wreaths.

The other dignitaries who laid wreaths included Maj Gen DP Merchant, Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), senior officers and junior commissioned officers of Assam Rifles. Mr YA Shishak, a veteran of the ‘Battle of Shangshak’ also laid a wreath on behalf of the villagers.

A cultural programme presented by the villagers of Shangshak, Tushar and Sikibung Tangkhul and a presentation of "The Battle of Shangshak" by officers of 25 Assam Rifles were the other highlights of the colourful inaugural function.

Welcoming the chief guest and other dignitaries, Brig V Suresh Nair, Commander, 10 Sector, thanked Lt Gen GK Duggal for conceiving this war memorial, a tribute to soldiers who participated in the battle.