Pangsau fest strengthens cultural bond between India & Myanmar: Moe Kyaw Aung

Our Correspondent

Itanagar: The age-old Indo-Myanmar cultural, traditional and religious affinity would be embolden by Pangsau Pass International Festival, Myanmar Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung said after declaring the three-day historic event open in scenic Nampong town in Changlang district bordering Myanmar, on Monday with much grandeur and fanfare amidst a mammoth gathering of dignitaries.

“Such festival facilitates both nations to exchange their rich culture, hold trade and uphold bonhomie to maintain the age-old ties”, said Aung, who was chief guest, according to official sources.

The myriad beauty of culture would be known to the world, particularly to South East Asia (SEA) through this festival to help explore enchanting beauty of Arunachal, said Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein while highlighting history of Stillwell or Ledo road and essence of the festival.

The area boast of numerous historic monuments, like Stilwell Road, World War-II Cemetery, The Lake of No Return & the Hell Gate besides the border market offering huge scope for tourism, Mein said.

“The look Act Policy under Prime Minister the Narendra Modi’s leadership would soon put a new thrust to linking SEA by road to promote trade and culture. This stretch of road though developed but Myanmar portion is in a dilapidated condition, he said and hope the ambassador would help improve the road soon,” the deputy chief minister said.

Trade & Commerce Minister Tumke Bagra suggested teaching languages spoken on both sides of the border to ease business. The local youths should be trained about rich handloom and handicraft to boost textile industry, he said, adding Stilwell Road, would increase scope for trade and commerce.

The PPIF is not only a platform to unravel the mythical tribal world but also a platform to rejoice ethnic life and simplicity, Nampong MLA Laisam Simai earlier said, adding it is the gateway to SEA through nature’s Arunachal Pradesh, he added.

The chief guest also released ‘Your Mirror’ and ‘Operational guidelines for rural tourism and home stay’.

The gathering including Deputy Speaker Tesam Pongte, MLAs Somlung Mosang (Bordumsa) Jummum Ete Deari (Lekang), Zingnu Namchoom (Namsai), Gabriel D Wangsu (Kanubari), Phosum Khimum (Changlang South), Myanmar dignitaries, tourism secretary Vandana Deori, DC RK Sharma, Army & 13th Assam Rifles Officers were overwhelmed by mesmerizing cultural presentation by 21 cultural troupes including from Maharashtra, Nagaland, Meghalaya, local & Myanmar.

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