Kohima: Former Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday urged the Centre to take necessary steps for declaring Kohima as the India’s 25th World Cultural Heritage site.
According to a release issued by his office here, Mr Rio, while participating in the ongoing Budget session of Parliament, said the Battle of Kohima changed the course of history of India and the world. It was declared as the most significant battle of victory for Great Britain during the World War II.
The Lok Sabha Member from Nagaland said more than 4,000 British and Indian soldiers lost their lives during the infamous war while the invading Japanese army lost more than 7000 lives.
In view of the significant role of Kohima in modern history, he urged the Centre to declare the Kohima region as a World Cultural Heritage site which would greatly boost tourism for the entire region.
Mr Rio also highlighted the vast potentials of the north east in the tourism sector as the region is blessed with abundant natural beauty along with rich and vibrant bio-diversity. The state government commemorates the Battle of Kohima with a World War II Peace Rally that has participants from all over the region and abroad involving vintage and second World War vehicles.
He said tourism potentials include eco-tourism, cultural tourism, rural tourism and adventure sports.
Speaking on the agricultural potential of the NE Region, Rio stated that this part of the Himalayan region is strong in agriculture with fertile soil and the added advantage of organic cultivation.
He appreciated the emphasis on organic cultivation which has been stressed by the Prime Minister.
He called upon the Union government to enhance agri and allied sector by improving overall infrastructure like establishment and upgradation of agriculture colleges and universities, skill development and capacity building centres.(UNI)
