Regretted that people were caught in the crossfire in battle 80 years ago
DIPR
REGIONAL, May 08, 2024: The soft inauguration programme of the Kohima Peace Memorial and Eco –Park was held Wednesday at Kohima with Ambassador of Japan to India Suzuki Hiroshi as the special guest.
Speaking at the Inaugural programme Ambassador of Japan to India Suzuki Hiroshi expressed his deepest sympathy and condolences to the people of Nagaland who were caught in the crossfire during the war between Japanese forces and the British Commonwealth Forces 80 years ago. He said that the people of Nagaland inevitably had to go through a great ordeal where many were coerced into cooperation and many people lost their lives and most people were forced to flee from the land of their ancestors.
He further added that he was deeply honoured to witness the inauguration of the Kohima Peace Memorial and that the monument enabled us to offer our most solemn prayers to all the victims of the battle. He expressed his gratitude to the people of Nagaland for their warm welcome and support provided to the Kohima-Japan Bone collection team and enabling former soldiers and their families to collect the remains of the fallen soldiers.
He said that the Eco-Park will be developed as part of the Nagaland Forest Management Project with Official Development Assistance (ODA) from the Japanese Government. “ I am convinced that the friendship originally fostered through the remains collection between Japan and Nagaland will be further strengthened through the construction of the Eco-Park as well as the exchange of young people, and they will become new bridges between India and Japan” he said.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who spoke at the inaugural programme said that the event marked an important milestone in the narrative of Naga-Japan partnership which though started under the cloud of conflict had today matured into one for advocating peace and brotherhood of humanity, the message that has been embodied by the Kohima Peace Memorial. He expressed his admiration of Japan for its perseverance and industriousness and how Japan has shown the World what can be achieved through dedication, precision and hard work.
Minister, Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Village Guards CL John thanked all officials and dignitaries who have travelled all the way from Japan and Delhi to attend in the Soft inauguration of the Kohima Peace Memorial and Eco -Park. He emphasised that this Peace Memorial and Eco Park is the realization of a long -felt need in the state given the history of association between Nagaland and Japan.
The programme was chaired by Chief Secretary Nagaland J Alam, who also gave the welcome address while the Vote of Thanks was pronounced by Commissioner & Secretary, Environment, Forest & Climate Change Y Kikheto Sema.
Japanese Ambassador Suzuki visits WW II Museum at Kisama
Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki undertook a visit to Naga Heritage Village Kisama Kohima. During his tour to WW II Museum, he received a briefing on Japan's involvement in the historic Battle of Kohima during World War II. Ambassador Suzuki immersed himself in the displays of artefacts and photo exhibition at the museum.
He also watched a video documentary detailing the events of the Battle of Kohima. Following this experience, the Ambassador proceeded to the Heritage Bamboo Hall, where he joined entrepreneurs and officials from Nagaland for a lunch gathering.
Ambassador at Kohima War Cemetery and Cathedral
Hiroshi Suzuki visited the Kohima War Cemetery. Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and other dignitaries accompanied the Japanese delegation. The Ambassador and the Chief Minister also laid wreaths and paid tribute during the visit.
The Ambassador along with the Japanese delegation then paid a visit to the Kohima Cathedral. It may be mentioned that the Japanese people also funded during the constructing of the Cathedral in memory of their beloved ones who lost their lives during the Battle of Kohima during the Second World War.
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