Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, January 3, 2026 – The rich history of World War II in northeastern India is being kept alive through heritage initiatives in Arunachal Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said on Saturday, highlighting the role of museums, memorials, and trekking routes in honouring the sacrifices of soldiers and local communities.

Speaking during a visit to the Hump World War II Museum in Pasighat, Mein emphasized the state government’s commitment to promoting heritage tourism by developing war-related sites and trekking trails to aircraft crash locations across Arunachal Pradesh. He was accompanied by former Chief Minister Mukut Mithi, Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng, and other legislators.

“Our state is committed to promoting heritage tourism while keeping the legacy of World War II alive for future generations. New museums and tourism projects are being taken up to honour the sacrifices made during the war,” Mein said in a social media post. He pointed to key initiatives under the upcoming International Pangsau Pass Winter Festival, where the state will mark 80 years since the Second World War with a special Willy Jeep Rally from Pasighat to Pangsau Pass, retracing historical military routes used during the conflict.

The Hump Museum, Mein said, serves as a poignant reminder of Arunachal Pradesh’s strategic role during the war. Established through the visionary efforts of MLA Oken Tayeng, the museum preserves rare and valuable artefacts, including remains of aircraft that crashed in the region during World War II, photographs, weapons, and other memorabilia. These exhibits document the challenges faced by soldiers and local communities and provide a moving tribute for families of those who laid down their lives during the war.

“The museum not only showcases the strategic importance of the Hump air route and the Ledo Road but also honours the contribution of the tribal communities who served as porters and guides. Their support in transporting supplies and constructing vital roads was indispensable to the Allied war effort,” Mein said. He added that the museum offers visitors an in-depth understanding of a lesser-known chapter of history that had a lasting impact on the region.

In addition to the Hump Museum at Pasighat, the Deputy Chief Minister noted that a World War II museum is under construction in Jairampur. War-related sites across Changlang district are also being developed to boost tourism, with trekking routes leading to aircraft crash locations and other historically significant sites. “These efforts are a tribute to those who sacrificed during World War II and a reminder that their contributions must never be forgotten,” he said.

Officials noted that the Hump World War II Museum plays a crucial role in heritage preservation by documenting both the human and strategic dimensions of the conflict in Arunachal Pradesh. The museum details the perilous flights over the “Hump” of the eastern Himalayas, which served as a vital supply route between India and China, as well as the construction and use of the Ledo Road, which was instrumental in Allied operations against Japanese forces.

Mein also highlighted the significant involvement of local tribal communities during the war. Many Arunachal Pradesh tribespeople served as porters, guides, and logistical support personnel, braving challenging terrain and adverse conditions to assist Allied forces. Their efforts, often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives, are being recognised through the creation of museums, memorials, and heritage trails.

“The tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh contributed greatly during the Second World War, often putting themselves at great risk. It is only fitting that their courage and sacrifice are remembered and celebrated,” Mein said. By developing museums and war sites into tourist destinations, the state aims to educate visitors about this important history while generating economic opportunities for local communities through heritage tourism.

The Hump Museum at Pasighat provides visitors with a deeply immersive experience. From artefacts recovered from aircraft wrecks to archival photographs, documents, and personal accounts, the museum captures the human stories behind the historical events. “Every exhibit is a testament to the resilience and bravery of soldiers and local communities alike,” said officials from the museum.

The museum also highlights the broader strategic context of Arunachal Pradesh during World War II. The eastern Himalayan region, particularly the air route known as the “Hump,” was a critical supply line for Allied forces supporting Chinese troops against Japanese advances. The construction and maintenance of these routes, often under extreme weather conditions, were essential to the success of military operations in Southeast Asia.

Deputy Chief Minister Mein underscored that these initiatives are part of a broader vision to integrate heritage tourism with cultural education and historical preservation. By developing museums, memorials, and trekking routes to wartime sites, the state government aims to provide tourists and students with a comprehensive understanding of Arunachal Pradesh’s contributions during World War II, while fostering pride in local history and traditions.

In closing, Mein remarked, “These museums and heritage sites are more than tourist attractions; they are living memorials. They remind us of the sacrifices made during World War II and the courage of those who served, including our own tribal communities. Preserving this history is essential for future generations to appreciate the role our state played in shaping global events.”

Through these efforts, Arunachal Pradesh is emerging as a hub for heritage tourism, combining natural beauty with historical significance. By keeping the legacy of World War II alive, the Hump Museum and other projects ensure that the stories of heroism, sacrifice, and resilience continue to inspire and educate generations to come.

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