ITANAGAR, Jan 20 : As part of the 10th edition of the Pangsau Pass International Festival-2026 and the 80th commemoration of the end of World War-II, a vintage Jeep and Bike Rally was organised under the chairmanship of Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister.
The rally commenced from Pasighat, passing through Roing, Alubari (Tezu) and Namsai, and is scheduled to culminate at Nampong in Changlang district. The rally comprises over 20 vintage World War-II jeeps with 20 bikers, along with official vehicles, symbolising remembrance and historical tribute.
On Day 3 of the rally (January 20), the convoy halted at Namsai, where participants assembled at Hotel Kinnara for the flag-off ceremony.
In his address, the chief guest Mutchu Mithi, MLA and Advisor to the Home and Education Minister, observed that while the world has undergone significant change, it continues to be shaped by the lessons of the past. Emphasising that remembrance of World War-II is an act of gratitude and reflection, he highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s strong historical links with the war.
Delivering the keynote address, Oken Tayeng, MLA and Vice Chairman of the 80th Commemoration of the End of World War-II Committee, underlined the historical significance of the Ledo Road, stating that the core objective of the rally is to highlight its history and transform it into a heritage tourism destination.
Describing the initiative as a ‘Remembrance Tour’, he expressed the intent to include other historic locations in Assam in future editions and wished the participants a safe and memorable journey.
Kalaktang MLA Tsetan Chombay also addressed the gathering, terming the initiative as a unique event for Arunachal Pradesh. He spoke on the deep relevance of World War-II to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and shared that travelling in vintage WW-II jeeps offers a powerful connection to history.
He noted that eastern Arunachal Pradesh is increasingly gaining prominence in the tourism sector and expressed confidence that the rally would further boost tourism in the region.
Namsai Deputy Commissioner CR Khampa highlighted Namsai’s emergence as an important tourism and heritage destination. He described the rally as a moving act of remembrance and referred to Namsai as a historic battlefield where courage continues to echo across mountains and plains.
The programme concluded with the official flag-off of the rally from Namsai towards Jairampur, marking the next phase of the historic journey.
(UNI )
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