HT Correspondent
JAIRAMPUR, July 26: In a significant move towards the conservation and international recognition of Arunachal Pradesh’s World War II heritage, a high-level team from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) conducted a preliminary inspection of various historical sites in Jairampur and its surrounding areas.
The visit, held recently, was aimed at evaluating the feasibility of upgrading these wartime relics to globally recognised memorial standards.
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According to an official statement, the CWGC delegation, led by Amit Bansal, Regional Head for the Indian Subcontinent, and Salew Pfotte, Manager for Guwahati and Digboi sectors, undertook a detailed survey of the WWII Cemetery, Laal Pool, Hamilton Bridge, Hell Gate, and the iconic Old Stilwell Road leading to Pangsau Pass.
The inspection was a part of the Commission’s exploratory mission to assess the current conditions of these historic locations and identify areas requiring restoration and structural enhancement.
The inspection was facilitated and personally overseen by the local MLA of 51st Nampong Constituency, Laisam Simai, who has taken a leading role in advocating for the preservation of the region’s wartime history. Also present during the visit were Colonel Jitender Mehta, SM, Lt Colonel TC Tayum, OSD to the MLA, and senior district officials including the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Jairampur, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Jairampur, and Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Nampong.
The collective presence of administrative, military, and heritage conservation stakeholders underscored a joint commitment towards the project.
The CWGC representatives assured full cooperation in obtaining archival material and technical records from the Commission’s headquarters in the United Kingdom to aid the restoration and historical documentation efforts.
Their visit also reflected an intent to provide institutional backing for upgrading the World War II cemetery and other associated sites in Jairampur to international commemorative standards.
The local administration, under the leadership of MLA Simai, is reportedly committed to transforming these memorials into some of the finest in the region, combining heritage value with tourism potential.
He reiterated his vision to make the WWII cemetery and the adjacent historical sites a centrepiece for remembrance and education, in honour of the sacrifices made during the global conflict.
The collaborative inspection by CWGC and the Arunachal administration marks a crucial step forward in preserving the region’s World War II legacy.
If successful, the project is expected to not only boost historical conservation but also place Jairampur prominently on the international map of war memorial destinations.
