The 7th edition of the three-day Pangsau Pass international festival got off a rousing start on Saturday at Nampong in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh along Indo-Myanmar border. Nampong is around 110km from Assam’s Tinsukia.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the 7th edition of the three-day Pangsau Pass international festival at Nampong in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Khandu said the main objective of the festival is to showcase the rich culture of the Arunachal Pradesh.
“This is my maiden visit to Nampong and I am very much delighted to be here. I feel proud for the rich and diverse culture of Arunachal Pradesh. Earlier the festival was known as Pangsau Pass winter festival but now it is changed as Pangsau pass international festival. The festival was first started in 2007 at the initiative of late former minister Setong Sena and now we have been celebrating the festival every year,” CM Khandu said.
This year Arunachal Pradesh government has sanctioned Rs 1 Crore for the festival. While stressing on the development of the state, Khandu said the part of Eastern Arunachal have potential tourism sector. He added their government is giving stress to develop the tourism sector of the state.
“There are many historical places here viz. Second World War cemetery, Hamiltan bridge, Stillwell road etc. We have to promote the tourism sector of the state which is endowed with rich cultural heritage. The three districts of Eastern Arunachal–Tirap, Changlang and Londing–is less developed compared to the other district of Arunachal. So, the BJP government has announced a special package for the development of the districts,” Khandu added.
Khandu said, “We have a cordial relationship with neighbouring country Myanmar and under the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi we are trying to engage trade ties with Myanmar. After we formed government in Arunachal Pradesh our main aim is the development of the State. I appeal all the people to live in peace and harmony and play important role for the development of the state.”
More than hundred delegates from Myanmar participated in the festival. Altogether, 24 tribes of Arunachal Pradesh along with the cultural troupes from Maynmar displayed their rich cultural dances in their traditional attire.
“When our government came to power we have taken strong step against the bandh which is driving the state into backwardness. We have taken strong step against the bandh supporters and placed many of the bandh supported behind bars. We will not tolerate any law and order situation in the state,” CM Khandu added.
He said that their government will take all necessary steps to develop the infrastructure of the state. “To develop the communication network of the state the Central government is taking all necessary steps,” he said.
CM Khandu advised the organising committee to build a permanent place for the festival.
Meanwhile, many traditional food stalls were set up at the festival.
“We have come from New Delhi for the festival and we have enjoyed a lot, especially the colourful dances of the tribes. The people are very simple over here and we like to come every year,” said a visitor from New Delhi.