Kohima Peace Memorial & Eco-Park inaugurated, highlighting Japan–Nagaland friendship, WWII history, heritage preservation, and community-led peace initiatives.
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KOHIMA — The Kohima Peace Memorial and Eco-Park, a symbol of brotherhood between Japan and Nagaland, located opposite the Red Cross Building, was officially inaugurated on Saturday by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described the moment as historic—“a reminder of the past, a celebration of the present, and a promise for the future.” He said that the site, nestled amid the serene hills of Kohima, recalls memories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.
Rio stated that the components of the Peace Memorial and Eco-Park make the site especially significant. He recalled that during the Second World War, many people endured unimaginable hardships and conflict, and that Nagas too were directly and indirectly affected by the Battle of Kohima.
“Our history has become a global history,” he remarked.
He expressed confidence that the new park would attract both locals and foreign tourists, noting that many Japanese visitors already come to pay tribute.
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He said that the Battle of Kohima—the final major engagement in the area during World War II—should be remembered in ways that allow future generations to understand the devastating impact of war. Nagas, he said, long for peace, and therefore, people should study the effects of war by visiting the War Cemetery and the Eco-Park.
Rio also highlighted the facilities within the park, including stalls, a museum, restaurants, and a Japanese kitchen. He appealed to the public to protect and preserve what has been created, adding that people must be educated to value these facilities for the generations to come.
He informed that the park would be managed by the society responsible for its construction so that its standards and vision are maintained.
Learn history
Rio said that school and college students should visit the area in groups and recommended that proper guides be arranged so that children “know what they need to know.”
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He pointed out that the park features many displays—including excerpts from personal diaries of Japanese and British soldiers—documenting hardship, starvation, death, and wartime experiences. He encouraged students to explore these with proper guidance.
The chief minister mentioned that Japanese diplomats would not be visiting during this year’s Hornbill Festival, but he was informed that Suzuki Hiroshi, Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and Heikichi Ono from the Embassy of Japan to India, would visit the state next year.
He highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the Japanese government in collaboration with the state, including a 400-bedded hospital to be managed by Japan, where doctors and nurses from both countries will work together.
He also said that Japanese language courses are offered at Nagaland University with teachers funded by the Japanese government, but enrolment is low.
He encouraged more students to join, adding that next year Japanese officials would come to conduct interviews and facilitate skill training and basic language learning.
Joint project
CL John, Minister for Environment, Forest, Climate Change and Village Guards, said that the park is a joint project of the government of Japan and the government of Nagaland, symbolising the spirit of friendship and reconciliation born from the tragedy of World War II.
He said that the friendship has matured into a message of peace and brotherhood, and that the memorial stands as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives in the war on the same ground.
He informed that the park was funded through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), assisted by the Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP), and implemented by his department.
Abu Metha, Chairman of IDAN, shared the historical background of the site, recounting how Japanese forces reached Kohima and changed the course of world history.
He said that today, the Naga people and the local community are using the painful wartime legacy to spread a message of peace, unity, and humanity.