Arunachal Pradesh to boost tourism by restoring World War II remnants in Nampong

Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced that the state government will curate and restore all remnants of the World war 2 and redevelop them for tourism purpose.

Khandu said that the frontier town of Nampong in Changlang district holds immense historical, cultural, and economic significance as for centuries, the region has been a conduit for migration, trade, and cultural exchange.
“From the sacred migration routes of our ancestors to the historic Stilwell Road, this area has played a pivotal role in connecting Northeast India with Southeast Asia,” he said while inaugurating the three-day Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF) here this afternoon


The Chief Minister remarked that PPIF is a shining example of how culture and economy go hand in hand. “Through folk songs, traditional sports, and expeditions to historic sites, we celebrate our heritage while building a foundation for a prosperous future. This festival also provides a platform for our local artisans, traders, and entrepreneurs to showcase their talent and products, paving the way for economic growth and self-reliance,” he added.

Khandu reiterated the state government’s commitment to improve infrastructure and connectivity to support the growing tourism sector in the Tirap, Changlang and Longding (TCL) region.

With inclusion of the three districts under tourist circuit and development in connectivity and infrastructure, he assured that tourism will flourish in the region given its rich potential.

“The double-lane National Highway connecting Jairampur, Nampong, and Pangsau Pass is a step in this direction. Under the guidance of our Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Central Government, we are witnessing unprecedented development in railway, road, and air connectivity, ensuring seamless travel and trade,” Khandu said.

Informing about the 2500 kms Frontier Highway that will traverse from Nafra in West Kameng to Vijaynagar in Changlang, the Chief Minister said that this along with the inter-connecting corridor roads will completely change the road connectivity scenario in the state.

“Once connectivity is at its best, our state including the TCL region will witness accelerated development.
Nampong being a historical site of the World War 2, Khandu announced that the state government will curate and restore all remnants of the war and redevelop them for tourism purpose.

“We will soon engage an expert for this and give a new facelift to Nampong town as a reminiscent of the bygone WW2,” he said.

Talking about ‘decentralization’ of power, the Chief Minister said that the state government will hold its Cabinet Meetings across the state in the districts. These Cabinet meetings, he revealed, will focus on region-centric issues.

Khandu, later, laid the foundation stones for 4 projects and inaugurated 5 projects specifically for the Nampong assembly constituency. He also announced sanctioning of projects worth Rs 43 crores in the constituency.

PPIF was last celebrated in 2020. It couldn’t be held in 2021 due to COVID and since then it remained dormant. The festival is being celebrated this year from January 20 to 22 after a gap of four years.