The 75th Anniversary of ‘one of the fiercest and toughest battle of WW-II was commemorated on 4th April, 2019 at RCEMPA, Jotsoma.
It brought together, countries and people whose lives were forever altered by it, under the theme -‘Remembrance, Reconciliation, Rebirth.’
Ambassador of Japan to India, Kenji Hiramatsu recounting the toll of the battle on thousands of precious lives, said that the peace we enjoy today is built over tremendous sacrifices and that Japan stands committed to never repeat the devastation of the war.
Kenji Hiramatsu said that the relationship between Japan and the North- East region has become substantially closer and to help accelerate the development of the region and the people to people exchange, particularly among the youth, the Act East Forum was started two years back.
Hiramatsu said that Japan has been implementing the IRIS program for youngsters from the region and added that Japan is willing to welcome people from the North-East through Technical Intern Training program, which he hoped would further strengthen the bond between the people.
He further said that promoting of intellectual dialogue with North-east will help in facing challenges together.
British High Commissioner to India, Sir Dominic Anthony Gerard Asquith during the commemoration programme said that General Slim view of the Nagas that ‘no soldier of the 14th Army will ever forget the admiration and affection,’ still holds true today by the children of the soldiers and because of the sacrifices made we are in a better place today.
He said that India, Japan and UK stand together as three great democracies to work with each other for peace and prosperity globally and committed to facing todays challenges.
CM Neiphiu Rio during the occasion said that post world war Nagas were witness to more war and bloodshed.
However the past two decade have been peaceful and Nagaland is moving forward on the path of development.
Nagaland has been partnering with JICA (Japan International Co-operation Agency) for various development projects.
Rio expressed his hope for such projects with mutual support and co-ordination for the development of the state.
