Arunachal: Unique historic World War 2 cemetery attracting tourists in Jairampur

This cemetery was already there since World War II but except the villagers nobody was aware of its existence and everything changed when the Assam Rifles stumbled upon the ruins and improved the dilapidated condition.

According to locals it was in the 90's that this large burial ground with more than 1400 Graves of the allied soldiers (African-American,Kachins,Indian and british soldiers who died in building the 'Man a mile Road' was discovered and brought to public notice.
This cemetery is located about 7km away from the Jairampur town and spread over in an area of three acres.

The Cemetery is one of the Largest World War II Cemetery of North East India. In this cemetery the graves are arranged in five lines and several rows. A large grave suspected to be a mass burial is also located in the centre. Bricks with Brand like LEDO AR&T Company Brick fields,B&C 119 & IRN C9 were used to construct the graves.

During the discovery, most of the graves were found in very dilapidated condition and reportedly the damages was done by wild Elephants and Grave raiders. After the discovery a fast paced renovation of the cemetery was carried out and a massive boundary wall was erected to prevent further destruction of this historic World War II Era monument.

It is said that most of the allied soldiers buried here didnt died by enemy bullets but of Malaria,dysentery,snake bites,accidents and Natural calamities while constructing the longest road of WWII on China-Burma-India corridor. On the same site, the allied soldiers also built the world longest War time pipeline for fuel from then then Calcutta to Burma. The Stillwell Road was build upon the old opium route that was utilized to carry out massive civilian exodus in 1942 afte the fall of Burma.

There is a memorial stone situated inside the cemetery which is inscripted by these lines"The Stillwell Road project which was once termed as "Impossible Engineering Pipe Dream" was not mere an engineering feat accomplished but a saga of valour,grit and determination.It stands as a Testament to the men responsible and the indomitable human spirit that made it possible.This memorial is dedicated to the officers and men who gave their lives that the Stillwell Road be accomplished.

Local MLA of Nampong constituency Laisam Simai talking to India Today NE  stated that this World War II Cemetery is very important historic site as this cemetery accumulate graveyards of more than 1400 soldiers during World War II. 

"This site has been lately discovered and for the last many years it was left in a very bad shape but due to the desire of local people under my leadership the renovation work has been almost done with the help of the Government funds.World War II Museum is also underconstruction near the cemetery under my initiative which will showcase the artifacts and preserve the items stuffs used in world war II and the work is going on as the collection of artifacts is also done and soon this Worldwar II Museum at Jairampur will get functional.

Once it will be made functional several visitors across the world including our country will visit this place which willboost the tourism sector and will also provide employment oppurtunities for the local through catering tourist services" MLA added.

Regarding insurgency in Changlang district Mla Laisam admitted the fact and informed that some outfit groups are operating in Changlang and nearby Tirap and Longding district regions but also mentioned that the scenario has changed now and development cannot be stopped because of these factors and its going on.MLA requested the tourists to come openly and witness the beauty of Tirap,Changlang and Longding districts without fear as these outfits dont harm anyone without valid reasons.

Arunachal is blessed with different topography,ethnic beauty which is the USP Unique selling point for all of us. Mla appealed all the organisations that they sould think positive for the betterment of the area,people and most importantly live in peace and harmony as peace is the only mantra for the development of any region.