Itanagar, May 8: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein held discussions with United States Consul General Kathy Giles Diaz and senior officials from the U.S. Consulate General, Kolkata, at his official residence in Itanagar on Thursday, focusing on World War II heritage conservation, tourism development, and strengthening cultural ties between Arunachal Pradesh and the United States.
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Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein with U.S. Consul General Kathy Giles Diaz, Consul for Political and Economic Affairs Braphus Kaalund and officials from the U.S. Consulate General, Kolkata, during a meeting at his official residence in Itanagar on World War II heritage tourism and the Stilwell Road project. (Image: X/ChownaMeinBJP) |
The visiting delegation included Braphus Kaalund, Consul for Political and Economic Affairs, along with other officials from the U.S. Consulate. The meeting explored opportunities for collaboration in preserving and promoting the rich World War II legacy associated with Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in the eastern districts of the state.
A major focus of the discussion was the upcoming World War II Museum at Jairampur, which is expected to serve as an important centre for documenting and showcasing the region’s wartime history. Both sides also discussed the historical significance of the Stilwell Road, the strategic route constructed during World War II that connected India to China through Myanmar and played a crucial role in Allied military operations.
The leaders deliberated on plans to develop a dedicated World War II heritage trail, linking historically significant sites across Arunachal Pradesh. The proposed tourism circuit aims to attract visitors, researchers, and history enthusiasts from India and abroad while highlighting the state's unique contribution to global wartime history.
According to Chowna Mein, discussions also covered efforts to trace historical records and the remains of American military personnel associated with World War II operations in the region. Preserving these historical links, he said, would help strengthen people-to-people connections and deepen international understanding of the state's role during the war.
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The meeting further explored ways to promote Arunachal Pradesh as a heritage tourism destination and increase global awareness of its historical and cultural significance. Both sides expressed interest in fostering greater cooperation in tourism, cultural exchange, and historical preservation initiatives.
Mein noted that Arunachal Pradesh possesses immense potential for heritage tourism and that projects linked to World War II history could generate economic opportunities for local communities while preserving important historical sites.
Officials said the proposed initiatives are expected to boost tourism, encourage research into the region’s wartime history, and strengthen strategic and cultural partnerships between Arunachal Pradesh and international stakeholders. The collaboration could also help position the state as an important destination for heritage tourism in Northeast India.
