Amid Modi-Xi meet, Indian Army opens museum to counter China's claims about Arunachal Pradesh

'This unique institution recognizes and showcases the martial, cultural, and heritage prowess of Arunachal Pradesh and celebrates the historical linkages of this ancient region with Bharatvarsh,' said Arunachal Pradesh CM Khandu.

Guwahati: Indian Army on Wednesday opened a museum in Arunachal Pradesh's Dirang district, one of the theatres of the 1962 Sino-India War, in order to display the frontier state's ancient ties with "Bharatvarsh" and counter China's repeated claims over the state.

This coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterparts Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit in Russia.

The museum displays 343 traditional heirlooms dating back to the Neolithic period, many ancient artefacts, catalogue highlighting the bravery of the local heroes and Indian soldiers who had sacrificed their lives while fighting against the Chinese troops during the 1962 war, beside other items.

“This location of the Museum, at Nyukmadung is of special reverence to all of us as it proudly marks the sacrifice, bravery and honour of the Indian Army during the 1962 war along with the camaraderie and compatriotism of local people. This museum is not just a repository of artefacts, heirlooms and memories but a living bridge between the past and future,” Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said, after inaugurating the museum.

The museum, named as Kameng Culture and Heritage Museum, is situated at Nyukmadung village in Dirang district, situated atop 1,600 meters.

"This unique institution recognizes and showcases the martial, cultural, and heritage prowess of Arunachal Pradesh and celebrates the historical linkages of this ancient region with Bharatvarsh," said Khandu

Khandu hoped that the museum would place Nyukmadung and Dirang on the country's tourist map, boosting religious and adventure tourism. "It will not only contribute to the local economy but also foster a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural canvas on the national and global stage." The Indian Institute of Heritage curated the museum.

Khandu expressed gratitude to the Army's Sela Brigade, 16 Madras and 18 Sikh Light Infantry, who worked hard to deliver the project. A film by Captain Praveen Chaturvedi, CEO, Moonlight Pictures and his team, was also screened during the event that highlighted the deep-rooted connection of Arunachal Pradesh and Bharat, said a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office, on Wednesday evening.

India has repeatedly rejected China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh. China, on the other hand, reacted sharply to infrastructure development projects taken up by India in Arunachal Pradesh claiming that the region was part of its South Tibet province.