Imphal: The Imphal Peace Museum (IPM) and the Manipur Tourism Forum (MTF) jointly celebrated the museum’s seventh anniversary on Monday with a series of activities highlighting peace, environmental conservation, community service and tourism promotion.

The celebrations began with a blood donation camp at Babina Hospital, where members and staff of both organizations voluntarily donated blood to support local healthcare needs. A tree plantation drive was also held at the Imphal Peace Museum premises at Red Hills (Maibam Lotpa Ching), reaffirming the commitment of the organizations towards environmental sustainability.

As part of efforts to boost tourism and improve visitor experiences, a boating facility was inaugurated at the historic Red Hills site. Organizers said the new attraction is expected to draw more visitors and offer a unique way to explore the scenic and historically significant area.

The programme was led by Manipur Tourism Forum Founding President Dr. Thangjam Dhabali, MTF President P. Kunjabihari and Imphal Peace Museum Director Haobam Joyremba, along with members of the tourism sector, civil society representatives and well-wishers.

Located at Red Hills, one of the key battlefields of the historic Battle of Imphal during the Second World War, the Imphal Peace Museum serves as a symbol of peace, remembrance and friendship between India and Japan. Established with support from the Embassy of Japan, The Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, the museum preserves the memories of one of the fiercest battles fought in Manipur during the war. The site is popularly known among visitors as “Japan Lan” because of its deep historical connection to Japanese soldiers who lost their lives in the conflict.

Over the years, the museum’s anniversary events have attracted several distinguished guests, including governors, Union ministers, diplomats, ambassadors and international delegates, reflecting its growing importance as a centre for peace and reconciliation.

The museum has also drawn international attention. In 2020, a proposed visit by then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the museum was cancelled shortly before the scheduled date. Museum officials said they continue to hope that the leaders of both countries will visit the site in the future as a symbol of peace and friendship.

Speaking on the occasion, Museum Director Haobam Joyremba said that while the foundations of relations between Japan and Manipur have been established, greater efforts are needed to strengthen cooperation through people-to-people exchanges and investments in health, education, science and technology. He noted that Japanese engagement and investment in neighbouring Assam have advanced considerably, while Manipur still has significant ground to cover.

The anniversary celebrations concluded with a renewed pledge by the Imphal Peace Museum and the Manipur Tourism Forum to promote peace, preserve historical memory, strengthen India-Japan relations and position Manipur as a destination of historical and cultural significance.