Japanese team in Manipur to search for WWII soldiers’ remains

Imphal, Nov 8 (IANS) A six-member Japanese team arrived here on Wednesday to search for the skeletal remains of its soldiers who were killed during the Battle of Imphal in World War II.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh told IANS that preparations have been made to welcome the visiting team and all facilities will be extended to them.

Manipur was one of the important theatres where British and Japanese forces were locked in bloody fighting as the Japanese sought to invade India.

In the past, Japanese teams have excavated bones from the main battle fields in Manipur and taken them back home for cremation, but this time, the team will incinerate the bones and will take back ashes.

J. Suresh Babu, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, said the Manipur government will extend all sorts of cooperation to the Japanese team which will stay in the state for eight days.

Babu said: "The team members shall visit Ukhrul, Imphal east, Bishnupur and Imphal west districts where fierce battles were fought during World War II. Japan hopes to find several bones. Adequate security arrangements have been made for them."

Soon after their arrival, the team members, government officials and experts held a meeting to chalk out their strategy.

Bones and war materials likely to be excavated will be examined and certified by the government forensic laboratory here.

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