Nampong can become major tourist destination: Mein

Itanagar Jan 21 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Education and Research minister Chowna Mein has stressed the need to create adequate infrastructure at Nampong in Changlang district to make it a major tourist destination.

Inaugurating the three day ''Pangsau Pass Winter Festival 2007'' at Nampong yesterday, the minister called for creating an atmosphere to attract more tourists to such festivals.

He also emphasised for starting the much awaited border trade between India and Myanmar through the famous Stilwell road connecting the Pangsau Pass bordering Indo-Myanmar, which is only 12 km from Nampong.

Mr Mein hoped that the assurance given by Union Minister of State for Trade and Commerce Mr. Jayaram Ramesh at Siang River festival recently to start border trade between India and South East Asia through Pangsau Pass, would not only enhance the economic status of the area but would also generate employment opportunities for the local youths.

Advocating that the Pangsau winter festival should be celebrated every year, he urged the elected representatives of the district to work for making the festival a national festival in line with the Buddha Mohotsav and Siang River festival.

Describing the area as a perfect tourist destination which had historical remains in addition to the unique and virgin landscape and unexplored age-old culture and tradition, the minister stressed on encouraging Eco-tourism, categorically concentrating on village tourism which would attract many domestic as well as foreign tourists.

''The trade link would also accelerate the economic activities in the region,'' the minister commented adding, the historical sites like the World War II cemetery at Jairampur should be renovated and declared a world heritage site.

Mr Mein further suggested for documentation of indigenous literatures, sculptures, traditions and customs for its preservation and further opined for creating ''War Memorial Musuem'' at Nampong including the World War II remaining with the names of the valiant warriors of the region.

''Such steps would bring more visitors in addition to the regular site seeing of enchanting hills mountains and valley of Patkai ranges'', he added.

UNI