Arunachal Dy CM for reopening of ”historic” Stilwell Road

Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief
Minister Chowna Mein on Sunday emphasised on the reopening of
the historic Stilwell Road, insisting that it will act as a
catalyst for promoting trade and spiritual tourism between
India and South East Asian countries.
Participating at the Oriah festival of the Wancho
community here, he said the state government will form a
committee for development of the road which connects India
with northern Myanmar and China’s Yunnan province via Pangsau
Pass in eastern Arunachal Pradeh.
“We will appeal to the Centre for prioritising the
restoration work of the road as it will be mutually beneficial
for both India and Myanmar,” he said.
Terming North-East region as the gateway to the ASEAN
countries, the deputy chief minister said reopening of the
Stilwell Road or Ledo Road will reduce travel distance and act
as a “catalyst for cross border trade”.
Mein said that country’s Act East Policy aims at
increasing trade ties, promoting tourism and developing the
economic scenario of the South East Asian region through
outreach initiatives.
He also raised the issue relating to creating of
infrastructure and development of the border areas in the
state.
“There is every possibility for Arunachal Pradesh to
become the fruit bowl of the country and the state has also
the potential to become one of the tourist hotspots. But the
need of the hour is how to utilise these natural resources to
draw more tourists,” he said.
Mein said the state government is providing every
possible support for the protection and promotion of the
indigenous tribal cultures.
He said that the government had provided some funds to
the research department last year to make documentation of
traditional healing system of Idu-Mishmi. PTI UPL
BDC BDC