In a major push to preserve the untold stories of World War II and promote cultural heritage, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh has announced the development of a state-of-the-art World War II Memorial Museum in the Changlang district. The upcoming facility, to be built at Jairampur/Nampong, will not only pay tribute to the wartime sacrifices but also shine a spotlight on the lesser-known local contributions to the global conflict. Led by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, a high-level meeting was held today to formally discuss and plan the proposed Stilwell World War-II Memorial Museum. The meeting brought together senior government officials and heritage experts, including MLA Laisam Simai, Secretary of Research Oken Tayeng, Director of Research S. Dubey, Advisor to the DCM Capt. A. Tangu, and OSD to Research Lt. Col. T.C. Tayum.
The museum is envisioned as a national heritage institution that will preserve valuable wartime artifacts, oral histories, and documents with a special focus on stories from the people of Arunachal who played silent yet significant roles during the war. Jairampur and Nampong, once part of the historic Stilwell Road used by Allied forces during WWII, hold immense historical value that the state hopes to showcase on a global platform. Deputy CM Mein said the museum will serve dual purposes — one as a tribute to history, and another as a powerful tool to inspire youth. “This museum will not only honour the memory of the past but also instill a strong sense of national pride and civic responsibility among future generations,” he said.
The project also aims to boost regional tourism and the rural economy. By creating direct and indirect job opportunities, the museum is expected to uplift surrounding communities and draw researchers, historians, and tourists from across the country and abroad. With modern facilities, immersive exhibits, and educational programs, the memorial museum is poised to become a cultural landmark for the Northeast. The initiative marks a strategic blend of historical preservation and developmental vision — showcasing Arunachal’s rich past while paving the way for a brighter future.