Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio with Ambassador of Japan to India, Kenji Hiramatsu and British High Commissioner to India, Dominic Anthony Gerard Asquith at the 75th anniversary of Battle of World War II on April 4 at RCEMPA Jotsoma. The commemoration brought together, countries and people whose lives were forever altered by it, under the theme -‘Remembrance, Reconciliation, Rebirth.’ (DIPR Photo)
75th anniversary of Battle of Kohima WW-II commemorated
Chizokho Vero
Jotsoma | April 4
The 75th anniversary commemoration programme of Battle of Kohima (World War-II (1944-2019) with the theme ‘Remembrance, Reconciliation, Rebirth’ took place here today at Regional Centre of Excellence for Music & Performing Arts (RCEMPA), Jotsoma.
“The Battle of Kohima is etched in our hearts as one of the fiercest and toughest battles during the Second World War, said Ambassador of Japan to India, Kenji Hiramatsu while addressing the programme.
He said the war took a toll on thousands of precious lives of the Indian National Army, the British Commonwealth Force, and the Japanese Army, while adding that the people of Nagaland and its neighbors, including Myanmar, had to endure severe sufferings and pains.
“We should never forget that the peace we enjoy today is built over such tremendous sacrifices. Squarely facing the history of the past, Japan renews its commitment to never repeat the devastation of the war. We look back, in order to look towards the future,” Hiramatsu said.
He said that as the Ambassador of Japan, he wanted to do something to contribute`Y to this region and had established the Act East Forum two years back, together with the Foreign Secretary of India, to help accelerate the development of the North East region and expand people-to-people exchanges.
“Japan attaches great importance to people-to-people exchanges, in particular among the youth. The youngsters will shape our future, and there can be nothing more rewarding than investing in them. Japan has been implementing the IRIS program for two years now, inviting young Nagas and other youths from the region. Japan is also willing to welcome people from the North East through the Technical Intern Training Program as, for example, apprentice care workers,” he stated.
The Ambassador of Japan was confident that participants of these programs, who gain real experience in Japan, would eventually become instrumental in making our bonds even stronger in the years to come.
British High Commissioner to India, Sir Dominic Anthony Gerard Asquith said the occasion is to remember the British, Indian and Commonwealth service personnel who lost their lives during the battle, together with the Naga non-combatants who died valiantly supporting the successful defence of the Kohima Ridge against a numerically superior force.
This was a vital turning point in the Second World War. Their courage and sacrifice helped to change the course of history, he said.
Today India, Japan and the UK stand together as three great democracies, he said adding, “We work with each other for peace and prosperity globally, and are committed to facing today’s challenges in partnership.”
Also speaking on the occasion, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the end of Second World War and creating of a new world order based on shared ideals of cooperation and working together has led to the world to what is today.
Referring to implementation of JICA in the state through community participation, livelihood improvement and institutional strengthening, Rio said he looked forward to many such projects with mutual support and coordination for the benefit of the community.
Lt. Gen. Rajeev Sirohi, General Officer Commanding, 3 Corps said the pain and losses endured in the battle were a source of grief, but also of pride and inspiration for future generations.
“I am sanguine that the youth of Nagaland will be spurred to take on all challenges that face them,” he said.
