Takeshi Yagi for closer ties
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, March 23 2014: "Relation between India and Japan has been improving after seventy years of the outbreak of the World War II", observed Takeshi Yagi, ambassador of Japan to India while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Commemoration of 70th Anniversary of Battle of Imphal (WWII), 1944 which was held at Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC) auditorium, Imphal today.

The observance of the anniversary is being organized jointly by Manipur Tourism Forum (MTF) and 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation and will continue till June 28 .

Takeshi Yagi maintained that Japan was reborn as a dynamic country after the Second World War.

Ever since, Japan has been one of the most prosperous countries in Asia which gave the people a peaceful and prosperous life.

Takeshi Yagi for closer ties

Manipur state is one of the historical places for both Japan and the British, Yagi stated and added that it was in Manipur that the fiercest battle was fought between the armies of the two nations and the British had to defend themselves hard from the Japanese to win over the war.

Today's comment of the ambassador of Japan to India came after Japanese Prime Minister Abe had visited India on the occasion of the country's Republic Day 2014 on January 26 .

Inaugural function was attended by P..CLawmkunga, IAS, Chief Secretary, Manipur as Chief Guest; Dr.Th.Dhabali Singh, President of MTF as functional Presisent while R..RRashmi, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Manipur; Dr.Rajesh Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary (Tourism) and Dr..R.KNimai Singh, IAS, Commissioner (Arts and Culture) as Guests of Honour.

In his address, Lawmkunga highlighted the need for reserving at least one corner in the venue of Manipur Sangai Festival from next year for showcasing the historic battle of World War II that took place at Imphal.

Recalling that Manipur was one of the important battlefields of the WW II, Lawmkunga said the Allied and Japanese forces fought a pitch battle here.

Many Japanese soldiers were killed and wounded in the battle.

Dr Rajen Kumar stressed on developing the spots where the Japanese and Allied forces engaged in the battle of Imphal during WW II.

"We need to develop WW II museum in the State.

Such a museum will certainly attract people," Rajen said.

Addl Chief Secretary RR Rashmi said that the present generation should try to know about the historic importance of the battle of WW II that took place in Imphal.

Manipur will soon become an important place when the Look East Policy starts to step in its leg over to the State, he said and suggested that the tourism sector be developed well.

Weapons used in the field and photos of WW II were also put up for display in an exhibition held as part of the event.

Meanwhile, Takeshi Yagi had visited some of the war memorial places and battle fields in Manipur and expressed his appreciation to the State government for maintaining them with all attention.