Reported by Avik Chakraborty
Dibrugarh: Zero Point Park at Singri village in Assam’s Tinsukia district, which marks the starting point of the historic Stilwell Road project, has reportedly fallen into a state of neglect, with several parts of the site damaged or vandalised.
The park, located near Lekhapani, was earlier renovated under the initiative of former Margherita MLA and Cabinet Minister Pradyut Bordoloi to preserve the historical significance of the Stilwell Road, a major World War II route connecting Ledo in Assam to Kunming in China.
The approximately 1,736-kilometre-long road was constructed during the Second World War under the leadership of American General Joseph Warren Stilwell.
The project involved thousands of American soldiers and workers, including Indians, Chinese nationals, and members of indigenous communities from the region.
According to reports, iron rods at the park have been stolen, boundary walls damaged, signboards removed, and children’s play equipment vandalised.
Expressing concern over the condition of the site, All Assam Tangsa Student Union (AATSU) Central Executive Committee president Nayung Mossang appealed to Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma and the Margherita Co-District Administration to take steps for the restoration and maintenance of the park.
Mossang also urged the authorities to reconstruct damaged infrastructure and deploy security personnel to prevent further vandalism and theft.
In a statement, Mossang said the site holds historical importance as the starting point of the Stilwell Road project during World War II.
He further expressed hope that the Assam Government would take measures to preserve the landmark for future generations.
Local residents and members of AATSU stated that restoring Zero Point Park could help preserve the historical legacy of the Stilwell Road and promote heritage tourism in Upper Assam.