Imphal, Ukhrul, August 9: The sixth anniversary of the Imphal Peace Museum, coinciding with the observation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Day, was held on Saturday at the museum premises, paying tribute to the victims of war and reaffirming a collective commitment to peace.
The event was organised in collaboration with the Nippon Foundation, Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and Manipur Tourism Forum. Among the dignitaries present were Ambassador of Japan to India Ono Keiichi; Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur; and Prof. W. Chandbabu Singh, Vice Chancellor of Dhanamanjuri University, along with officials and delegates from India and Japan.
The programme reflected on the tragedies of World War II, particularly the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and celebrated the transformation of Manipur—once a war-torn battlefield—into a centre of peace, learning, and reconciliation.
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Ambassador of Japan to India Ono Keiichi, speaking at the sidelines at the observance of Hiroshima-Nagasaki Day, held at Manipur’s Nambol Maibam Lotpa Ching (Red Hill) said, “I really appreciate the Imphal Peace Memorial, the organisers for having this event as it commemorates the anniversary of this museum and Hiroshima-Nagasaki Day. This is a great event to reaffirm our joint commitment to peace and to a world without nuclear weapons. India and Japan are committed to making peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. We are committed to a world without nuclear weapons.”
Key highlights included floral tributes to the fallen soldiers of the historic Imphal battles, the release of fish symbolising harmony with nature, the inauguration of the Harmony House, and the opening of a special exhibition featuring artefacts from Japan. The event also saw the acceptance of books under the READ Project, strengthening cultural and educational ties.
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