Ambassador promises Japan’s help in State’s socio-economic development projects
IMPHAL | May 21: Japanese Ambassador to India Kenji Hiramatsu expressed “remorse” to those killed during Japanese bombing at Khurai Chingangbam Leikai mandop during Second World War. The official paid floral tributes today to a memorial site constructed next to the mandop.
Japanese planes bombed Imphal three times beginning March 10, 1942. The last bombing took place on May 20, 1943 at Khurai and it left trails of destruction and casualties.
A bomb landed on a religious mandop where about 200 people including women and children were gathered for a religious feast. More than 100 people were killed and many maimed by the bombardment, Kh. Nimaicharan, relative of a victim said.
Nimaicharan was only 10 when the tragedy struck the Khurai locality. His father was among those killed. Chingangbam Mandop Sevayat Committee organised today’s programme as a part of the 73 rd anniversary of Battle of Imphal, World War – II.
“I pray for the victims of the bombing. I express remorse for those who suffered during the war,” the ambassador said. He also read out a message by Japan Prime Minister in connection with the anniversary.
He said Japan wants to develop good relationship with India and in particular Northeast and Manipur. Japan will contribute whatever for Manipur’s development.
The ambassador attended a programme organised at Classic Grande last night to commemorate 73 rd anniversary of Battle of Imphal, World War-II. It was organised by Manipur Tourism Forum and Second World War Campaign in association with tourism department.
Chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh also attended the programme.
The Ambassador and other paid floral tributes at India Peace Memorial located at Maibam Lotpa Ching at Nambol yesterday.
Addressing yesterday’s commemoration programme Kenji said Japanese government decided to invite 25 young people from Manipur and Nagaland to the country for exposure. He also said Japanese government was planning to organise a seminar in Imphal in November this year.
Addressing yesterday’s programme Biren Singh said that WW-II is one of the greatest events of the world that changed the course of history of mankind. “We all witnessed the unfathomable destructions, human tragedies leaving behind irreparable relationships amidst the transformation in the demographic profiles of many nations,” he added.
Burma Campaign Society, Akiko Macdonald also attended the commemoration programme.
Kenji today met Biren Singh and conveyed his country’s willingness to extend cooperation to Manipur in the areas like road connectivity, tourism, cleaning of Loktak lake, school education, sanitation and sewerage system.
The chief minister also assured full co-operation and provide security whenever Japan takes up any venture in the state.
They discussed mutual co-operation in the areas like skill development and employment opportunities in Japan, especially in the fields of nursing and manufacturing sectors.
Biren expressed his desire to explore the possibilities of introducing courses of teaching and learning of Japanese language in Manipur, upon which Kenji assured to look into the possibilities of providing language teachers and learning materials to the State.
Kenji expressed pleasure on witnessing improvement in the relations between the neighbouring States of Manipur and Nagaland recently.
The meeting discussed various options to ease traffic congestion in Imphal city. This includes elevated highways, flyovers and underpasses etc. at various congested points.
Officials of the Government of Manipur made a power-point presentation on the tourism potentials of the State to the ambassador.
The presentation threw lights on the Cable Car Projects to be developed at two different locations. The first project will be operational between Cheiraoching and Ibudhou Marjing hill while the second project will connect Sendra Hillock with Chaoba Ching at Loktak Lake.
Among other points, the presentation also mentioned about the House Boat Tourism project of the State. The project, which will have its terminal at Phubala village, will provide the facility of night halt to tourists at Karang Chingdonpok.
For this ambitious project, facilities like jetty, vehicle parking, amenity block, electric charging, effluent treatment plant, solid waste treatment centre, water storage tanks, drivers’ rest rooms and rest rooms/cottages for tourists will be developed at Phubala.
Likewise, jetty, cultural complex, amphitheatre, restaurant, gift/souvenir shop, rest rooms and medical facility centre will be constructed at Karang Chingdonpok.
Source: Imphal Free Press
