Governor pitches for tapping state's tourism potential
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, June 22 2022:
Imphal Peace Museum at Maibam Lotpa Ching is a sacred place of the state which is famous for 2nd World War where Japanese Army fought against the Allied Forces till their last breath, said Governor La Ganesan.
Therefore, this place is known as Peace Museum which stands as a testimony and a place to pay tribute for an everlasting peace and reconciliation, he said.
Speaking at the 3rd Anniversary celebration of Imphal Peace Museum held on Wednesday at Maibam Lotpa Ching, Ganesan re counted that Maibam Lotpa Ching or the Red Hills is a historic war memorial site of the Battle of Imphal, an important phase of the WW-II that took place in Nambol.
He said, this is one of the important places in the history of Manipur.
Lauding the efforts made by Manipur Tourism Forum in establishing the Peace Museum, Ganesan said the museum displays and depicts hardships experienced by the people of the state during the war and how Manipur, which was a peaceful state and the people, had to flee from the ravages of war.
It has been one of the most visited tourist place in Manipur.
The Imphal Peace Muse urn has become the hallmark and testimony of the strong historical connection which the people of Manipur have with Japan, he added.
Stressing on the importance to conduct more researches on battle sites, the Governor said that these sites need to be preserved and restored with proper memorials so that future generations can understand the sacrifices made from both sides while also spreading the message of peace and affirming that war benefits no nation.
Ganesan further said that the states of North East are blessed with nature's bounty.
The tremendous potential for tourism in the region needs to be explored for the economic growth and prosperity of the people, he maintained and pointed out that through development of the tourism sector Manipur could be made known to the global fraternity and make Manipur a World War II heritage site to draw tourists from across the world.
Earlier, the Governor toured the museum and witnessed the old war related artefacts which are being displayed there.
Tourism commissioner PK Jha also spoke on the shared and common history of India and Japan especially with Manipur.
Embassy of Japan (charge d'affairs) deputy chief of Mission and minister Kawazu Kunihiko, Sasakawa Peace Foundation president Atusushi Sunami and representatives of Nippon Foundation Japan took part in the celebration among others.
The celebration was co-organised by Manipur Tourism Forum and 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation.
As part of the event, the Governor also released two documentaries of Manipur and Nagaland produced by Nippon Foundation.