The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, and the United States Ambassador, Mr. Eric Garcetti, joined together to inaugurate the "Hump WWII Museum" in Pasighat, India, on November 30, 2023. This momentous occasion marked the second museum in Asia dedicated to honoring the fallen airmen of the US forces during World War II, instilling a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by Allied forces. The tranquil landscape of Pasighat sets the ideal site for this tribute to the brave US servicemen who lost their lives during the Hump Operation.
Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to view remnants of aircraft, including rusting wreckage and machine guns, from the 650 planes that crashed or went missing in Arunachal Pradesh during World War II. This serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in this region and the historical ties between the United States and Arunachal Pradesh.
The museum's theme beautifully reflects the history of the "Hump" air route, which was used by Allied forces to transport people from Assam to Yunnan, China. These daring flights through treacherous terrain earned the pilots the nickname "The Hump," symbolizing their incredible courage. The Hump route traverses various regions, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Tibet, Yunnan, and Myanmar, and an estimated 650 aircraft crashed in these areas due to the extreme flying conditions.
The name of the museum itself is a testament to the Hump operation, which remains one of the most remarkable feats in aviation history during the Second World War. It serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and determination displayed by the Allied forces in defending democracy and freedom.
In a heartwarming development, foreign tourists have already started flocking to the newly inaugurated Hump World War II museum, just one day after its opening. This demonstrates the immense interest in and recognition of the importance of preserving history. The museum will honor the fallen heroes of World War II and ensure that their stories are forever etched in our collective memory by serving as a valuable educational tool for younger generations.
MyGov Arunachal extends an invitation to its citizens to express their views on how, in light of our common history, we should keep up our strong international ties and preserve history.
Sakthivel 8 months 2 weeks ago
The Hump air route passes over Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tibet, Myanmar and Yunnan (China).
The route was nicknamed ‘The Hump’ because of the altitude of the Eastern Himalayas.