NAHA, Japan, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) — Residents of the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa, throughout a large-scale anti-war rally, have vehemently opposed the makes an attempt by the Japanese authorities and U.S. navy to show Okinawa right into a navy fortress.
They referred to as for opening a path to peace by dialogue through the rally held on Thursday within the capital metropolis of Naha, which was participated by about 7,500 individuals from numerous components of the prefecture.
Chobin Zukeran, co-representative from the organizing citizen group of the rally, said that the primary objective of the rally is to utterly stop Okinawa from being concerned in conflict once more.
He emphasised the necessity for unity to create a peaceable society, asserting that Okinawa doesn’t want navy bases, missiles, or wartime shelters however a peaceable atmosphere for safe dwelling.
The Japanese authorities and U.S. navy are trying to show Okinawa right into a navy “breakwater,” one other consultant from the organizer, Takamatsu Gushiken, instructed Xinhua.
This implies that Okinawa residents may once more turn out to be victims, and with out voicing opposition, the longer term survival of the individuals in Okinawa could possibly be in danger, added Gushiken, who has lengthy been concerned in gathering the stays of those that died within the Okinawa battle of World War II.
Hiromori Maedomari, professor from the Okinawa International University, identified in his speech that Okinawa is considered by the United States as a “drain.”
He urged individuals in Okinawa to persist within the path of peace, emphasizing that whereas most individuals in mainland Japan could undertake a bystander perspective in direction of Okinawa changing into a battlefield once more, native residents ought to attempt for peace by their very own efforts.
“Okinawa has experienced war, and now the base issue frequently makes newspaper headlines. I do not want to experience war and do not want future generations to go through it either,” mentioned native highschool scholar Ichiro Uehara, who was gathering anti-war and peace signatures on the occasion.
Representatives from anti-war teams in numerous areas, together with the prefecture’s Ishigaki Island, Miyako Island, and Yonaguni Island, voiced their considerations and opposition to Japan’s plans to show southwestern islands into Self-Defense Force missile bases and improve joint navy workout routines with the United States.
The rally was concluded by the issuance of a declaration titled “Dialogue to establish trust is the path to peace,” calling for the diffusion of anti-war actions from Okinawa to the whole nation and urging the prevention of the Japanese authorities from recklessly heading towards conflict.