Concerns have been raised over the deteriorating condition of Zero Point Park at Singri village in Lekhapani under the Margherita Co-District of Assam, a historic site linked to the famous Stilwell Road of World War II.

What is Zero Point Park?

• Zero Point Park marks the starting point of the historic Stilwell Road project in Northeast India.
• The park was earlier renovated to preserve the memory of this important wartime route and its international historical significance.

About the Stilwell Road

• The Stilwell Road, originally known as the Ledo Road, was constructed during the Second World War by Allied forces led by the United States.
• The road was built under the supervision of Joseph Warren Stilwell, after whom it was renamed in 1945.
• It starts from Ledo in Tinsukia district and extends up to Kunming through present-day Myanmar.
• The total length of the road is approximately 1,736 kilometres.
• The road passes through Lekhapani, Jairampur, Nampong, Pangsau Pass, Myitkyina and Bhamo in Myanmar before joining the historic Burma Road towards China.
• Japan captured Burma during World War II, cutting off Allied supply routes to China.
• The road was built to:
  • Supply military equipment and aid to Chinese forces.
  • Maintain Allied operations in the China-Burma-India theatre.
  • Counter Japanese expansion in Southeast Asia.

Historical Importance

• The road played a strategic role during World War II by improving military supply connectivity between India and China.
• It symbolises:
  • International cooperation during wartime.
  • Sacrifice of workers and soldiers.
  • Shared historical ties between India, the United States, and China.

Present Concerns

• Reports indicate:
  • Damage to boundary walls.
  • Theft of infrastructure materials.
  • Removal of signboards.
  • Vandalism of public facilities.
• Local organisations, including the All Assam Tangsa Student Union, have demanded:
  • Restoration of the park.
  • Better security arrangements.
  • Preservation of the heritage site.

Exam Hook: Prelims Question

The historic Stilwell Road connects India with which country?
(a) Myanmar only
(b) China
(c) Bangladesh
(d) Nepal

Answer: (b)

One-Line Wrap

Zero Point Park represents the historic legacy of the Stilwell Road and highlights the importance of preserving Northeast India’s wartime heritage and cultural memory.

SOURCE