In Nagaland, ambassador of Japan to India, Hiroshi Suzuki and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today jointly inaugurated the Kohima Peace Memorial and laid the foundation stone of Eco Park Kohima.
The Kohima Peace Memorial and Eco Park holds particular significance as it celebrates the collaborative effort between the Government of Japan and Japanese International Corporation Agency with the Government of Nagaland. It represents not only a historical significance but also serves as a symbol of peace, reconciliation and hold profound educational value.
Speaking at the programme, Ambassador Suzuki, said, the Japanese people remembered the Battle of Kohima along with the “Battle of Imphal,” as one of the most disastrous battles in World War II.
He acknowledged that the people of Nagaland, who had nothing to do with the war, inevitably had to go through a great ordeal.
The Ambassador prayed for the souls of all people of Nagaland, and the Japanese soldiers who gave their lives including the Indian National Army soldiers who took part in the campaign; and those who fought on the British Common wealth side.
Expressing happiness to witness the inauguration of the Kohima Peace Memorial, Mr Suzuki said the monument enables everyone to stand in solemn silence, and offer sincere prayers to all the victims of the battle.
He also extended his deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the people of Nagaland who had to endure indescribable sufferings brought forth by the Battle of Kohima.
He said the generosity of the people of Nagaland extended to the Japanese people has fostered a new friendship between Japan and Nagaland.
Ambassador Suzuki also exuded hope that the Eco-Park will be loved by the people, and will become a new landmark in Kohima, symbolising the friendship between Japan and Nagaland.
Further, Mr Suzuki said Japan and Nagaland is also witnessing another chapter of friendship being fostered, with many young people from Nagaland starting to travel to Japan for skill training and job opportunities.
To this, he informed that in December last year, a Japanese sending organization called ARMS signed an MOU with Nagaland University to establish a Japanese language course in Kohima.
Through this, he hoped it will encourage more Naga youths to learn Japanese language and seize skill training and job opportunities in Japan.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said, Nagaland’s close association with Japan has now matured into bi-lateral cooperation, adding that Nagas have always felt a very close connection to the Japanese people.
He said in recent times the state is witnessing increasing influence of Japanese culture in the society especially among the youth.
Mr Rio said that the inauguration of the Kohima Peace Memorial and the ceremony of laying Foundation Stone for the Eco- Park is the expression of the commitment to forge stronger ties between the Nagas and Japanese.
Mentioning that the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Kohima is being commemorated this year, the Chief Minister said, the state government has planed a number of events that will involve the engagement of all sectors including related countries like the UK and the US. Rio exuded hope that the Japanese friends will also be part of the programmes as both collectively work to communicate peace and oneness.
Later, Ambassador Suzuki along with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio visited the Kohima War Cemetery and laid wreaths as a tribute to the brave souls.
Mr Suzuki also visited the Kohima Cathedral, and World War II Museum at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
