Indo-Myanmar Trade
Pangsau fest may set the platform:
Nampong, Jan 30: The recently held Pangsau Pass winter festival at Nampong village of Changalang district Arunachal Pradesh has a remarkable historical significance and celebrates the true relationship between the Burmese and the local people.
The festival kicked off on January 20 with the striking of the traditional gong by DoTC chairman Phusum Kimhun and singing of `We stand and sing for peace and unity` to send a clear message that the people crave for peace in the insurgency affected Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
The PPWF was organised with an objective to rebuild the age old relationship between the people of Arunachal Pradesh and nieghbouring Myanmar.
The festival was termed as the gateway to the hidden paradise of Arunachal Pradesh, and it was able to showcase the tribes of the state. For the first time, the locals, Myanmarese and the guests witnessed such a huge gathering of tribes belonging to different parts of Arunachal Pradesh, besides breathtaking performances by the various indigenous groups.
Troupes from the neighbouring Myanmar enthralled and mesmerised the audience, especially the large number of foreigners present at the festival grounds, appreciating the breathtaking display of ethnicity.
Similar cultural identities, traditional dances, songs and narrating of stories among the Burmese and Arunachalis over the shared history of their forefathers were the soul of the festival and enhanced the thriving relationship among them.
The festival had much to offer and unveiled the concealed world of Tangsa tribe, whose warm smiles made people forget the freezing temperature and admire their simplicity and hospitality.
The speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh legislative Assembly, Setong Sena presided over both the inaugural and closing functions of the festival and categorically stated that these type of cross cultural festivals would definitely enhance the relationship with Myanmar. Besides the Assam legislative Assembly speaker Tonko Bahadur Rai, the DC and SP of Changlang district also attended as dignitaries during the two day festival at Nampong village.
Meanwhile, several hundreds of Burmese who attended the festival were seen being transported by the departmental vehicles of the Arunachal Pradesh government across the Myanmar gate. Many Burmese people were also seen being allowed by the Indian securitymen at their gate along the Pangsau Pass road connecting Myanmar and Arunachal though there is no official agreement bteween the government of India and Myanmar for the same. This, many felt, may signify another attempt of both people from Myanmar and Arunachal to eastablish an officially recognised free trade route at Pangsau Pass, similar to the one at the Indo-Myanmar border at Moreh town in Manipur.
Posted On: The Imphal Free Press
Nampong, Jan 30: The recently held Pangsau Pass winter festival at Nampong village of Changalang district Arunachal Pradesh has a remarkable historical significance and celebrates the true relationship between the Burmese and the local people.
The festival kicked off on January 20 with the striking of the traditional gong by DoTC chairman Phusum Kimhun and singing of `We stand and sing for peace and unity` to send a clear message that the people crave for peace in the insurgency affected Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
The PPWF was organised with an objective to rebuild the age old relationship between the people of Arunachal Pradesh and nieghbouring Myanmar.
The festival was termed as the gateway to the hidden paradise of Arunachal Pradesh, and it was able to showcase the tribes of the state. For the first time, the locals, Myanmarese and the guests witnessed such a huge gathering of tribes belonging to different parts of Arunachal Pradesh, besides breathtaking performances by the various indigenous groups.
Troupes from the neighbouring Myanmar enthralled and mesmerised the audience, especially the large number of foreigners present at the festival grounds, appreciating the breathtaking display of ethnicity.
Similar cultural identities, traditional dances, songs and narrating of stories among the Burmese and Arunachalis over the shared history of their forefathers were the soul of the festival and enhanced the thriving relationship among them.
The festival had much to offer and unveiled the concealed world of Tangsa tribe, whose warm smiles made people forget the freezing temperature and admire their simplicity and hospitality.
The speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh legislative Assembly, Setong Sena presided over both the inaugural and closing functions of the festival and categorically stated that these type of cross cultural festivals would definitely enhance the relationship with Myanmar. Besides the Assam legislative Assembly speaker Tonko Bahadur Rai, the DC and SP of Changlang district also attended as dignitaries during the two day festival at Nampong village.
Meanwhile, several hundreds of Burmese who attended the festival were seen being transported by the departmental vehicles of the Arunachal Pradesh government across the Myanmar gate. Many Burmese people were also seen being allowed by the Indian securitymen at their gate along the Pangsau Pass road connecting Myanmar and Arunachal though there is no official agreement bteween the government of India and Myanmar for the same. This, many felt, may signify another attempt of both people from Myanmar and Arunachal to eastablish an officially recognised free trade route at Pangsau Pass, similar to the one at the Indo-Myanmar border at Moreh town in Manipur.
Posted On: The Imphal Free Press