Nagaland Flatfenders Club leadd 15 WW2-era Willys and Ford Jeeps in the WW2 Jeeps Peace Rally.
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DIMAPUR — In a historic first, the Nagaland Flatfenders Club (NFC) led 15 WW2-era Willys and Ford Jeeps in the WW2 Jeeps Peace Rally, inaugurating Arunachal Pradesh's Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF) from 19 to the 22nd.
In a press release, NFC stated that the PPIF's 80th-year WW2 commemorative Peace Rally kicked off on January 19, covering 182 km from Pasighat's Hump WW2 Museum to Namsai, via the scenic Siang river delta.
The NFC was invited as state guests by the Arunachal Pradesh government for the PPIF 2026, which is also the commemorative 80th year celebration of the end of WW2 , retracing key World War 2 sites and relics across the Eastern Himalayas.
The NFC entourage was led by T John Longkumer (president NFC), Pedi Miachieo (vice president), Dr. Andrew Ahoto Sema (secretary general), Alo John (advisor), and 18 other members of the club with 12 support staff.
The rally took four days to complete and covered a total distance of 878 km by WW2 Jeeps.
From Pasighat, the convoy proceeded towards Namsai, where members visited the Golden Pagoda Temple complex, reflecting the spirit of peace and remembrance.
The WW2 Jeeps rally was escorted by motorbikers from Mebo Riders Club, Running Wolves Club Namsai, and the 60 KMPH Club, all from Arunachal Pradesh.
Along the way from Pasighat to Namsai, the rally stopped at Aohali village which is celebrated as a ‘Zero Hunting Village’ where a cultural troupe entertained the rallyists, the release stated.
The convoy also visited the World War II Cemetery and Museum at Jairampur, followed by a historic drive through major WWII landmarks including Lal Pul (Red Bridge), Hamilton Bridge, Stilwell Road, and Hell Gate, underscoring the immense challenges faced during wartime logistics in the region.
Thereafter, the rally reached Lampong PPIF festival venue for the official inauguration of the Pangsau Pass International Festival.
The following day, the rally was done exclusively by the NFC and visited the World War 2 historic sites.
“The highlight of this journey was driving through the original and still preserved Stillwell Road. This represented the first time original US military WW2 Jeeps traversed on the road after a span of 80 years after WW2 ended. For Nagaland Flatfenders Club this day will remain a historic day in the Club’s history,” it stated.
The closing day of the PPIF and Commemorative Rally was attended by Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh, who drove his own WW2 Willys Jeep restored by the NFC tech team led by Saren Aier and Vikshe Shohe.
Chowna Mein led in his WW2 Willys Jeep, escorted by Nagaland Flatfenders Club, along the historic route, formally inaugurating the World War II Cemetery and Museum at Jairampur.
“This convoy is now recorded as the first Willys Jeep drive along the historic route from Ledo to Kumning known as the Stillwell Road , after 80 years of the end of WW2,” the release stated.
“The commemorative drive stands as a living tribute to the soldiers, engineers, and civilians who shaped history along these routes. It also reflects the Nagaland Flatfenders Club’s guiding motto, ‘Preserve and flourish,’”