Suzuki Hiroshi, Neiphiu Rio, and others during the soft inauguration programme of Kohima Peace Memorial & Eco- Park in Kohima on May 8. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 8
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that Nagas have always felt a very close connection to the Japanese people. “In recent times, we are witnessing the increasing influence of Japanese culture in our society especially among the youth,” Rio said while addressing the soft inauguration programme of Kohima Peace Memorial & Eco-Park in Kohima on May 8.
The inauguration of Kohima Peace Memorial and laying of foundation stone for Eco-Park was made by Suzuki Hiroshi, Ambassador of Japan to India.
“Today is a very important milestone in the narrative of Naga-Japan partnership, as ours was an association that started under the cloud of conflict but has today matured into one advocating peace and brotherhood of humanity, and this message is embodied by the Kohima Peace Memorial which we are inaugurating today and the Eco Park for which the foundation stone is being laid,” Rio said.
Rio said that Nagaland's close association with Japan started almost five decades ago through the Japan Association for the Recovery and Repatriation of War Casualties, an association that continues even to this day.
“This association has now matured into bi-lateral cooperation with Japan under which we have two ongoing Externally Aided Projects in the forestry and medical sectors respectively,” Rio said.
On the cultural front, Rio said, a programme called the GENESIS programme is under implementation through which the youths of Nagaland get the opportunity to experience the rich culture of Japan.
Rio felt that it will play a vital role in strengthening the ties between us and pave way for more meaningful partnerships in the future.”
Nagaland sees itself at the forefront of the Government of India's Act East policy and in gearing towards this role the state has entered a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Centre of Excellence for Foreign Languages where the first comprehensive language programme offered is the Japanese language, he said.
The Chief Minister assured Suzuki Hiroshi that “we will take every possible step to ensure best practices and transparent standards in carrying out the projects.” We have undertaken several measures and have put in place systems to improve “ease of doing business” in the state.
“Today's inauguration of the Kohima Peace Memorial and the ceremony of laying Foundation Stone for the Eco- Park is the expression of our commitment to forge stronger ties between our two peoples, Rio said and thanked the Government of Japan, JICA and others for their pro-active engagement and co-operation with the state of Nagaland.
About Eco- Park
“The Eco Park, once completed, will turn out to be a critical centre of urban space and public utility. This park will also become a testament of our newfound partnership and collaboration between the people of Japan and India, especially the Naga people. It will strengthen bonds, enhance bilateral ties; increase people-to-people contact and open opportunities for the citizens of the two countries to always pursue common goals,” Rio said.
The park will have outlets for entrepreneurship and livelihood initiatives, it will have spaces that celebrate our rich cuisine and unique food, he said adding that there will be performance spaces and facilities for exercise, fitness and recreation.
It will become a meeting point not just of people but a breeding ground for ideas.
Stating that the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Kohima is being commemorated this year, he said “We have planned a number of events that will involve the engagement of all sectors including related countries like the UK and the US. We are hopeful that our Japanese friends will also be part of the programmes as we collectively work to communicate peace and oneness.”
CL John acknowledges Japan for safeguarding forests, ecology of Nagaland
Nagaland Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Village Guards Minister CL John said, “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.”
Nagaland is a small state blessed with rich natural resources. The state is part of the Indo- Myanmar (Burma) Mega biodiversity hotspot, one of 36 such areas in the world, the minister said.
“However, the biodiversity in the state is deeply threatened due to increase of population and traditional way of cultivation,” he said.
About 70 % of the state's population is engaged in agriculture mostly traditional method of jhum and shifting cultivation. This form of agriculture is attributed to be a major driver for forest cover loss and the state has witnessed a gradual decline in its forests as reported in the India State of Forest Report.
In such situation, the sanctioning of the JICA assisted Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) seems providential in rescuing the rich biodiversity of the state, he said adding that the project's objective is to restore forest -cover through tree plantation in jhum areas and promoting conservation of biodiversity through community participation while at the same time improving livelihood by supporting income generation in 185 selected villages covering about 13% of the total village in the state.
The project aim to bring an area of 790 square kilometrers under forest cover by planting 17 million saplings, NFMP is being implemented successfully by forest department with the support of Nagaland’s chief minister.
“Through this project the goodwill and benevolence of the people of Japan is getting known even in the most interior Naga villages. We look forward for your continued support and guidance for the remaining villages and areas to be covered by considering second phase of the Nagaland Forest Management Project,” the minister said.
Thanking the government and people of Japan for the invaluable assistance towards safeguarding the forests and ecology of Nagaland, John said “It is our pledge that the resources provided to us will be used effectively and efficiently in realising the goal of sustainable management of our forests.”
Japan has been instrumental in fostering progress and prosperity in Nagaland: Alam
Nagaland Chief Secretary J. Alam said that the soft inauguration of the Kohima Peace Memorial and Eco Park holds particular significance “as we celebrate the collaborative effort between the Government of Japan and Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) 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, Alam said.
He said that the state government is giving priority to these projects, and their development continues to be monitored under the guidance of Chief Minister.
He said that India and Japan’s strategic partnership has evolved into multifaceted relations with a common vision for regional integration and growth especially with a focus on the North East Region in alignment with the Act East Policy.
“Today as we are gathered here, I take this opportunity to highlight the critical ties Japan and Nagaland has made over the years bridging not only the path for cultural exchange and growth but forging stronger bilateral relation between India and Japan,” he said.
Alam maintained that Japan’s invaluable contribution to the growth and development of Nagaland are deeply appreciated, citing the initiatives such as Nagaland Forest Management Project by JICA, the establishment of a 400-bed hospital at NIMSR and the initiation of Japanese language education programs by ARMS in collaboration with Nagaland University.
He said that Japan has been instrumental in fostering progress and prosperity in Nagaland.
“This park is not just a place of remembrance but a living symbol of our shared commitment to growth and development,” he said.
Vote of thanks was proposed by Y Kikheto Sema, Commissioner & Secretary For Environment, Forest, Climate Change, Government of Nagaland.
