Pangsau Pass Festival returns after 4 years: Khandu highlights Nampong’s strategic and cultural significance

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 20, 2025

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday inaugurated the Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF), emphasizing Nampong’s historical, cultural, and economic significance as a crucial gateway for trade and migration between Northeast India and Southeast Asia.

“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,” Khandu remarked during the opening ceremony of the three-day festival in Changlang district.

Khandu highlighted that the PPIF serves as a powerful bridge between tradition and economic progress.

“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 stated.

Reiterating the state government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and connectivity, Khandu assured that with the inclusion of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding (TCL) in the tourist circuit, the region is poised for a tourism boom.

“The double-lane National Highway connecting Jairampur, Nampong, and Pangsau Pass is a step in this direction. Under the leadership 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,” he added.

He also spoke about the ambitious 2,500-km Frontier Highway, stretching from Nafra in West Kameng to Vijaynagar in Changlang, which along with interconnecting corridor roads, will revolutionize road connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh.

“Once connectivity is at its best, our state—including the TCL region—will witness accelerated development,” he affirmed.

Recognizing Nampong’s historical significance as a World War II site, Khandu announced that the state government would curate and restore war remnants to boost heritage tourism.

“We will soon engage an expert to restore and redevelop Nampong as a living tribute to its WWII history,” he said, pledging to give the town a new facelift as a historical and cultural landmark.

Khandu also stressed the decentralization of governance, revealing that the state government will hold Cabinet Meetings across different districts to address region-specific issues.

During the event, Khandu laid the foundation stones for four new projects and inaugurated five completed projects for the Nampong Assembly Constituency. Additionally, he announced the sanctioning of ₹43 crore worth of development projects for the region.

The Pangsau Pass International Festival was last celebrated in 2020 but was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After a four-year gap, the festival is being revived from January 20 to 22, 2024, marking a grand comeback to celebrate Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage and global connections.

With cultural celebrations, economic discussions, and infrastructural announcements, PPIF 2024 is set to reaffirm Nampong’s place as a historic and economic gateway to Southeast Asia.