Japanese envoy attends Battle of Imphal anniversary
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 23 2014:
The 70th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal was opened today at MFDC auditorium in commemoration of the three months' long Imphal theatre of the World War II .
The anniversary function which would continue till June 28 is being jointly organised by the Manipur Tourism Forum (MTF) and the 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation.
Different functions would be held at the sites where Allied forces and Japanese soldiers fought pitched battles.
The opening function held today was graced by Japanese Ambassador to India Takeshi Yagi as guest of honour.
The Ambassador also went to Maibamlotpa Ching and offered floral tributes to the Japanese soldiers killed during the Imphal campaign.
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Additional Chief Secretary RR Rashmi, Principal Secretary (Tourism) Dr Rajesh Kumar and Art and Culture Commissioner Dr RK Nimai too attended the opening function as guests of honour.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga remarked that the Battle of Imphal was one of the most historic events of the whole world.
The battle put Imphal in the tourism map of the world.
The next Manipur Sangai Festival would have an additional component which would narrate and illustrate the Battle of Imphal, stated the Chief Secretary.
Ambassador Takeshi Yagi said that although the Battle of Imphal took place 70 years back, the event remains unforgettable to Japanese people.
Stating that the battles fought at Imphal were the fiercest, the Ambassador appealed to the people of Manipur to protect and preserve the war memorials and peace pillars built in the State.
India and Japan shares a cordial diplomatic relationship and as a symbol of this time tested relationship the Japanese Prime Minister attended the Indian Republic Day celebration at New Delhi this year as chief guest.
In his presidential speech, MTF president Dr Th Dhaballi said that the Battle of Imphal was one of the most dramatic event in the history of Manipur.
The opening function also featured relics display, photo exhibition and screening of short films.