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 World War-II Vintage Jeep & Bike Rally was organised under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein. The rally commenced from Pasighat, passing through Roing, Alubari (Tezu) and Namsai, and is scheduled to culminate at Nampong in Changlang District. The rally comprised more than 20 vintage jeeps, 20 bikers, along with official vehicles.
On Day 3 today, the rally halted at Namsai. The participants assembled at Hotel Kinnara for the flag-off programme. 
The Chief Guest of the flagging off ceremony, Mutchu Mithi, MLA and Advisor to the Home and Education Minister in his address observed that while the world has changed significantly, it is shaped by the lessons of the past. He emphasized that the past guides the future and that remembering World War-II is an act of gratitude and reflection. He reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh has strong historical connections with World War-II and stressed the importance of honoring and acknowledging that legacy. 
In his keynote address Oken Tayeng, MLA and Vice Chairman of the 80th Commemoration of the End of World War-II Committee, spoke about the uniqueness of Namsai’s culture, hospitality, and cuisine in the entire Northeast. He underlined the historical importance of the Ledo Road. He stated that the core idea behind the rally was to highlight the history of the Ledo Road and transform it into a heritage tourism destination. He also described the initiative as a “Remembrance Tour” and expressed the intent to include other historic parts of Assam in future editions and wished all participants a safe and memorable ride.
 Tsetan Chombay, MLA of Kalaktang, addressed the gathering. He remarked that such an initiative was new to Arunachal Pradesh and spoke about the deep relevance of World War-II to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. He shared that sitting in the vintage WW-II jeeps provided a deep connection to history. He noted that Eastern Arunachal is increasingly gaining attention in the tourism sector. He expressed confidence that the rally would further promote tourism in the region.
 C.R. Khampa, DC Namsai highlighted that Namsai has emerged as an important destination for tourism and heritage. He described the event as a moving act of remembrance and referred to Namsai as a historic battlefield where courage continues to echo across mountains and plains. He emphasized that such initiatives would educate younger generations about heritage and culture and that the rally symbolically carries the valuable past and message of peace forward.
The programme concluded with the official flag-off of the rally from Namsai towards Jairampur, marking the next phase of the historic journey.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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