Nagaland We need to preserve war memory to inspire peace: Rio

Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio formally inaugurated the Kohima Peace Memorial & Eco-Park on November 29 in the presence of dignitaries, senior officials, and invited guests.
Speaking after inaugurating the Park as special guest, the chief minister described the occasion as a proud moment for the people, marking a landmark of historical importance, “a reminder of our past, our present, and a promise for our future.” Rio pointed out the site, nestled amidst the hills of Kohima, captures memories of courage, sacrifice and resilience, and must be preserved to educate present and future generations on the devastating effects of war.
Rio said the newly inaugurated Eco-Park, alongside the Kohima Peace Memorial and Indo-Japanese friendship components, created a landmark. He noted Naga civilians, though not combatants, endured immense hardship during World War II, as conflict entered villages, transforming local experiences into global history.
Rio recalled his father’s service in the British Indian Army during World War II, noting the conflict remained personal. His father, a veteran stationed in Happy Valley, Shillong, received the King George V Medal and Burma Star. Rio shared memories of a disciplined upbringing, adding he and his brothers were enrolled in Sainik School as part of that legacy.
Dr. Rio recalled local narratives of the Battle of Kohima, including accounts of Naga women aiding British soldiers, Japanese troops tending to their wounded nearby, and wartime burial sites preserved through oral memory. He said that while outsiders had long shaped the battle’s narrative, more Naga writers were now documenting indigenous perspectives.
Rio also highlighted the continued visits of Japanese nationals to pay homage at the memorial and pointed to the heavy casualties-1,420 marked graves at the Kohima War Cemetery and 914 Indian soldiers recorded as cremated or unaccounted for-stressing that many civilian deaths remain undocumented.
Rio recalled his visits to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, describing the devastation of the bombings and noting that peace parks worldwide-including Kohima’s-stand as reminders of the cost of violence. He said Nagas have always yearned for peace and urged young people to visit the war memorial, learn its history and connect with the experiences of soldiers through diaries and artifacts.
Citing growing Indo-Japanese cooperation, Rio said Ambassador Suzuki Hiroshi and other officials were expected to visit Nagaland next year. He noted Japan’s ongoing support through JICA-funded projects and said the country had sanctioned a 400-bedded hospital to be jointly run by Japanese and Naga medical teams.
Rio urged Naga youth to tap growing avenues for skill training and employment in Japan and multinational firms like Toyota and Hyundai, noting that Naga workers are often valued for their discipline, adaptability and cultural traits. He encouraged students to learn Japanese, now taught at Nagaland University, to better access these opportunities.
The chief minister thanked Kohima Village landowners, the Environment, Forest and Climate Change department, architect Richard Belho and all stakeholders for transforming the memorial and Eco-Park from a vision into reality. He advised shopkeepers to prioritise Naga products while allowing limited Japanese and British items, maintain fair pricing, and ensure the site remains clean, orderly and reflective of its historic importance.
Dr Rio also noted that Japanese people were known for discipline, hard work and focus, and encouraged Nagas to emulate such values in a competitive world.
Advisor to the chief minister and chairman IDAN Abu Metha, in his address, underscored the historical importance of the newly inaugurated site, noting that the Battle of Kohima had reshaped world history. He said that although global powers fought on Naga soil, local communities—drawn into the conflict against their will—ultimately aided the victory of democratic forces. Metha said Kohima now stands as a symbol of peace, where the painful legacy of war inspires unity and humanity, affirming the enduring message: “never again.”
Environment, Forest and Climate Change minister CL John delivered the welcome address, while PCCF & HoFF, DEFCC, Vedpal Singh chaired the inaugural function. Pastor Visato Yhoshü offered the dedicatory prayer, and folk fusion performances were presented by the Cantabile Choir and Lidi Kro-u.