“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,” the governor said while speaking at the third anniversary celebration of Imphal Peace Museum held at Maibam Lotpa Ching.

The Maibam Lotpa Ching or the Red Hills is a historic war memorial site of the Battle of Imphal, an important branch of WW-II that took place in Nambol, Manipur, he said lauding the efforts made by the Manipur Tourism Forum in establishing the Peace Museum.

The museum displays and depicts hardships experienced by the people of Manipur during the war and how Manipur which was a peaceful state and the people had to flee from the ravages of war, he said.

The Imphal Peace Museum has become the hallmark and testimony of the strong historical connection which the people of Manipur have with Japan. He expressed the need to conduct more research on the battle sites.

The states of Northeast 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 said. This can be an event to make Manipur known to many parts of the world and for making Manipur a World War II heritage site and attract tourists from across the globe, he added.

Earlier, the governor toured the museum and witnessed the old war related artefacts which are being displayed there. Commissioner (Tourism) PK Jha also spoke on the shared and common history of India and Japan especially with Manipur.

Charge d’Affairs, minister and deputy chief of mission Kawazu Kunihiko; Embassy of Japan Atusushi Sunami; president, Sasakawa Peace Foundation and representatives of Nippon Foundation, Japan participated among others in the celebration. The celebration was co-organised by Manipur Tourism Forum and the 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation. (DIPR)