CM participates special session on Manipur and India-Japan partnership

Imphal, March 21, 2018 (DIPR): Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh participated in the ‘Special Session on Manipur and India-Japan Partnership’ held on March 20, 2018 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The session was attended by Chairperson ICRIER(Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations) Smt. Isher Judge Ahluwalia, Ambassador of Japan to India Shri Kenji Hiramatsu and among others.

During the session, Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh expressed his strong desire to build a strong Manipur(India)-Japan Partnership. He sought of JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) for Investment on mega infrastructure projects in Manipur for faster socio-economic development.

Chief Minister mentioned that the relationship between Japan and Manipur dates back to the ‘Battle of Imphal’ which is well remembered even today by the people of Japan and Manipur. Manipur is the home to mortal remains of many brave Japanese who sacrificed their lives during World War II. There are many similarities between Japan and Manipur, he added. From the food known as ‘NATO’ in Japanese and ‘Haiwaijar’ in Manipuri, to the flower belonging to iris species known as ‘Kombirei’ in Manipur, which is called ‘KAKITSUBATA’ in Japanese.

Shri N. Biren Singh extended his invitation to the people of Japan to visit Manipur to pay homage to their ancestors especially in the year 2019 which is the 75^th Anniversary of Battle of Imphal. He stated that Manipur is posed as the last frontier of India in implementation of its Act East Policy and under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the present BJP led government is deeply committed to ‘Act East Policy from the NorthEast’. He further mentioned some projects for mutual co-operation on various sector such as tourism, railway and development of World War II Homage Circuit etc. Chief Minister proposed to develop a WW-II Homage Circuit to cover the famous Loktak Lake, Phubala, INA in Moirang, Koirengei in Imphal and Shangshak in Ukhrul. He sought support from JICA for a road length of 4000 kms and the approximate cost for the improvement of Rs 2200 crores. Further, Shri N. Biren Singh also proposed to construct two Fly Overs and Underpasses for Imphal City and surrounding areas.

On the railway sector, Chief Minister proposed to connect District Headquaters and Moreh town to provide alternative transportation for the people of the hill and rural areas and also facilitate transportation of essential commodities. In the tourism sector, he mentioned about the unique offerings of Manipur like Shirui lily, Sangai Deer, Pony of Manipur, INA Memorial and Loktak Lake. He also mentioned that Manipur will be the ideas destination for Medicinal Value Tourism. He also highlighted various proposed tourism projects in the State such as Integrated Cable Car and Lakeside Tourism development Project at Lotak Lake, Ropeway from Ukhrul to Shirui and from Marjing Hill to Langol and Cheiraoching to Sendra, development of Healthcity in Manipur in partnership with Shija Healthcare and Research Institute Pvt. Ltd. and Skill development on Nursing, Tourism and Hospitality.

Chief Minister also assured the Japanese side that all the projects would be dealt with by a single window at Chief Minister’s Office and there would be no delay whatsoever.

Today, Chief Minister met Ambassador of Japan to India Shri Kenji Hiramatsu in a luncheon meeting. Chief Minister highlighted the issues of co-operation and raised his concern about the law and order condition in Manipur and various developments in the State. He also assured Kenji Hiramatsu about his personal monitoring and intervention in addressing the issue of law and order situation in the State. The meeting definitely raised mutual understanding between Manipur and Japan to a newer level.