In a grand tribute to the 80th anniversary of the Second World War, the Nagaland Flatfenders Club (NFC) successfully completed a historic commemorative drive across the Eastern Himalayas. Participating as official State Guests at the Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF) 2026, the Club retraced the legendary routes that defined Allied operations eight decades ago.

The multi-day event, organized in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, saw a convoy of meticulously restored Willys Jeeps—likely the first of their kind to traverse these routes since the war—journeying through the rugged terrain of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

The expedition kicked off in Dimapur, Nagaland, and gained momentum at the Hump Museum in Pasighat, where the convoy was ceremonially flagged off. The museum, which houses relics such as the wreckage of a B-24 Liberator, served as a poignant backdrop for the start of the drive.

Led by NFC President, T John Longkumer, IPS, former DGP Nagaland and current SEC, the delegation included Vice President, Pedi Miachieo, General Secretary, Dr. Andrew Ahoto, and Advisor, Alo John, IPS.

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The rally was categorized by significant landmarks and cultural exchanges:

Pasighat to Namsai: Accompanied by the Mebo Riders Club, Running Wolves Club, and the 60 KMPH Club, the NFC visited the “Zero Hunting” village of Aohali for a cultural showcase and later stopped at the Golden Pagoda in Namsai.

The Stilwell Road & Pangsau Pass: The convoy navigated iconic WWII sites, including the Lal Pul (Red Bridge), the Hamilton Steel Bridge, and the formidable Hell Gate.

Jairampur War Museum: A central highlight was the formal inauguration of the World War II Cemetery and Museum at Jairampur.

The event drew significant attendance from the Arunachal Pradesh state leadership. On the final day of the drive, Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein joined the NFC members, personally driving one of the Club’s restored Willys Jeeps.

“The commemorative drive stands as a living tribute to the soldiers, engineers, and civilians who shaped history along these routes,” a Club representative stated.

Arunachal Pradesh Speaker, Tesam Pongte, MP Tapir Gao, and several state ministers participated in the event and underscored its importance in preserving regional heritage and fostering ties between the sister states.

True to their motto, “Preserve and Flourish,” the Nagaland Flatfenders Club utilized the rally to showcase their technical expertise in heritage vehicle restoration. By bringing these vintage machines back to the very roads they were built for, the NFC has ensured that the history of the “Hump” and the Stilwell Road remains vibrant for future generations.

Meanwhile, the NFC acknowledged and gave a special thanks to the Deputy CM, Chowna Mein, MLA Laisam Simai who was the host of PPIF 2026 and MLA Oken Tayeng for making the festival a grand success and giving the club the privilege and honour for participating in the event.