Itanagar, Jan 23: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein described Pangsau Pass on the India-Myanmar border as a symbol of peace, friendship, and shared heritage, highlighting its evolution from a World War II lifeline into a potential hub for heritage, adventure, and experiential tourism.

Speaking at the concluding day of the 10th Pangsau Pass International Festival at Nampong in Changlang district on Thursday, Mein emphasized the need to remember the sacrifices of those involved in constructing the historic Stilwell (Ledo) Road. He urged documenting the names of unsung heroes who died under harsh conditions and displaying them in museums.

Earlier, Mein participated in a Vintage Willys Jeep Rally from Namsai to Pangsau Pass via the Old Ledo Road alongside Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao, Speaker Tesam Pongte, Minister Dasanglu Pul, local MLAs, officials, and Nagaland’s Flatfenders Club. He described the rally as historic and emotional, recalling how his grandfather drove Willys Jeeps post-WWII to rescue relatives in Myanmar.

The rally passed through key World War II landmarks such as Lalpul Bridge, Hamilton Bridge, Hell Gate, and stretches of the Old Ledo Road, honoring the Jeep’s role in wartime logistics and reconnaissance. Mein also acknowledged the 10th Assam Rifles for their reception and interacted with Myanmar officials, underlining the festival’s cross-border significance.

At Jairampur, the deputy CM inaugurated the World War II Cemetery, unveiled the “Wall of the Forgotten Theatre – World War II,” and visited the upgraded WWII Museum. He paid tribute to Sepoy Lamtu Tikhak of the 7th Assam Rifles, a local hero who fought in the 1962 Sino-Indian War, survived captivity, served in 1965, and died on duty in 1967.

Mein also highlighted the contributions of local tribes as guides, porters, and laborers on the Stilwell Road, many of whom lost their lives to disease, terrain, and enemy fire. He noted the often-overlooked role of elephants used by mahouts for transport and construction.

Advocating the reopening of the Old Ledo Road and activating the Pangsau Pass integrated check post for border trade, Mein said initiatives like the Jeep Rally, power drives, museums, and trekking routes are boosting adventure tourism and supporting local economies. “From sacrifice to celebration, Pangsau Pass reminds us that our past shapes our path to peace and progress,” he added.