Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla interacted with the candidates of Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) ahead of their departure for Japan on Janaury 8, 2026. File.
| Photo Credit: PTI
GUWAHATI:
A four-year-old Japanese programme in India has opened the doors of fiscal security for 13 youths in ethnic conflict-scarred Manipur.
These 13 from six districts of the State include an internally displaced person from Churachandpur district. On Thursday (January 8, 2026), Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla interacted with the candidates of Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) ahead of their departure for Japan.
“Uphold the values and culture of Manipur and India, and serve as ambassadors of goodwill while working in Japan,” the Governor advised them, hoping that they would perform well.
The government of Japan introduced the SSW in April 2019 as a residency status, allowing Indian youths to work and reside in Japan. The formal agreement between the two countries was signed in January 2021.
The 13 candidates completed the Japanese language test and a skills proficiency test recently, qualifying to travel to Japan and work in nursing, hospitality, manufacturing, and other sectors. They are scheduled to fly out before January 31.
Manipur, under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, has yet to recover from the conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, which broke out on May 3, 2023. The conflict left more than 260 people killed and about 62,000 displaced.
Published – January 09, 2026 06:00 am IST
