Dibrugarh, May 15: Amid the lush green landscape of Lekhapani in Assam’s Tinsukia district stands a fading yet powerful symbol of one of World War II’s greatest engineering feats — the Zero Point Park, where the history of the iconic Stilwell Road has been preserved. Today, however, the park itself has reportedly fallen into a state of neglect and disrepair.
At the heart of this historic legacy is Zero Point Park at Singri village — the revered starting point of the Stilwell Road project.
The park, once renovated and beautified under the initiative of former Margherita MLA and Cabinet Minister Pradyut Bordoloi to preserve the memory of this globally significant wartime landmark, is now said to be in an alarming condition.
Stretching nearly 1,736 kilometres from Ledo in Assam to Kunming in China, the legendary Stilwell Road was carved through dense forests, rugged hills, and treacherous terrain under the leadership of American General Joseph Warren Stilwell during the Second World War.
The road was built through the immense sacrifice and determination of nearly 15,000 American soldiers and over 50,000 workers, including Indians, Chinese nationals, and indigenous communities such as the Sema, Tangsa, Singpho, Tai Khamti, Tai Phake, Abor, and Mishmi tribes.
According to local concerns, iron rods from the park infrastructure have allegedly been stolen, boundary walls damaged, signboards removed, and children’s play equipment vandalised, leaving the heritage site in a deteriorating state.
Expressing serious concern over the condition of the park, All Assam Tangsa Students’ Union (AATSU) Central Executive Committee president Nayung Mossang has appealed to Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma and the Margherita Co-District Administration to take immediate steps for the restoration and proper maintenance of the site.
Mossang urged the authorities to rebuild the damaged infrastructure and deploy adequate security personnel to prevent further theft and vandalism.
“Zero Point is not merely a park; it is sacred ground where General Joseph Stilwell and thousands of brave workers began a journey that connected nations and changed the course of history,” Mossang said.
He also expressed hope that the BJP-led Assam Government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma would take necessary measures to revive and preserve the landmark for future generations.
The Stilwell Road continues to stand as a symbol of international cooperation and sacrifice, reflecting the shared history and enduring ties between India, the United States, China, and the indigenous communities of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
As efforts continue across the country to preserve historically significant sites, local residents and members of AATSU believe that restoring Zero Point Park would not only honour the memory of those associated with the wartime project but also help develop the site into an important heritage tourism destination in Upper Assam.
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