Arunachal Pradesh is gearing up to significantly upgrade the World War-II Memorial Museum in Jairampur, Changlang district, with plans to transform it into a major heritage-cum-tourism hub. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein presided over a meeting on Thursday, June 12, 2025, to discuss the project, emphasizing the historical importance of the region, particularly the Pangsau Pass and the Stilwell Road, which served as a crucial route connecting India to China via Myanmar during the war.
The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the area's deep-rooted connection to the Burma Campaign and the necessity of preserving and showcasing this legacy through a unique museum. The initiative aims to not only preserve historical artifacts but also to boost tourism in the region by creating a compelling heritage site. Mein urged committee members to actively collect artifacts and design a gallery specifically dedicated to the contributions of local tribes. He specifically acknowledged the roles played by the Singpho, Khamti, Adi, Nocte, Mishmi, and Naga tribes, whose members served as soldiers and porters during what locals refer to as the Burma War.
As part of the 80th commemoration of World War II, Mein proposed grand celebrations during the upcoming Pangsau Pass Winter Festival. These celebrations may include a Willy's Jeep rally starting from the Hump WW-II Museum in Pasighat and culminating at Pangsau Pass, alongside a super car rally, both designed to attract tourists and history enthusiasts.
A dedicated committee has been formed to oversee the museum's upgrade. Minister of Research Dasanglu Pul will chair the committee, with the Deputy Chief Minister serving as the chief advisor. MLAs Laisam Simai and Oken Tayeng will act as advisors, and the Research Secretary will serve as the member secretary. Lt Col TC Tayum presented an overview of the artifacts already collected for the museum during the meeting, which also saw the participation of Research Director Sangeet Dubey and other senior officials from the Research Department.
The existing World War II Memorial Museum in Jairampur was inaugurated on January 21, 2018, by then Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Built with funding from the Union Ministry of Culture, the museum currently showcases remnants of the war, personal belongings of soldiers, and traditional items from the local Tangsa community. The museum also displays information about the discovery of approximately 833 graves, including mass graves, of those involved in the construction of the Stilwell Road.
The proposed upgrade seeks to enhance these existing features and create a more immersive and informative experience for visitors, underscoring the sacrifices made during the war and the contributions of the local population. The development of the museum into a prominent heritage-cum-tourism hub aligns with Arunachal Pradesh's broader strategy to promote tourism and showcase its rich cultural and historical assets.
