Nagaland observes 75th anniversary of Battle of Kohima

The 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kohima was observed by the Nagaland government on Thursday with representatives from the UK and Japan speaking on the theme of 'Remembrance, Reconciliation and Rebirth'.

The dignitaries from the UK and Japan assembled at the programme to seek "reconciliation and forgiveness" for the "sufferings and pain" caused against each other at the Battle of Kohima, that was fought in three stages during the Second World War in 1944.

Recounting the loss of "thousands of precious lives" in the battle, Ambassador of Japan to India, Kenji Hiramatsu, said the peace "we enjoy today was built over tremendous sacrifices".

He said Japan stands committed to "never repeat the devastation of the war".

Noting that relations of the countries which "once fought with each other" have been "transformed for the good", he said, "genuine reconciliation is only possible through dedicated efforts by us all."
British High Commissioner to India, Dominic Anthony Gerard Asquith said, "We are here to remember the British, Indian and Commonwealth service personnel who lost their lives during the battle, together with the Naga non-combatants who died valiantly supporting the successful defence of the Kohima Ridge against a numerically superior force."