Apang’s efforts may prove to be a booster for the tourism industry in the state, which has immense potential but lacks an effective marketing policy.

“In fact, apart from establishing the cultural linkage, the other benefit could be in terms of the tourist inflow which the region so badly needs,” a senior official of the state administration said.

Citing the example of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the official said the states earn an annual income of around Rs 360 crore from the visit of tourists and the donation by various foundations to the Buddhist institutions.

“Arunachal Pradesh could in fact surpass these states in terms of the tourist inflow, both on account of the rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty,” he said.

Apart from Tawang, which is the second oldest monastery in the world, the state has a plethora of Buddhist temples hardly known to the outside world.

The chief minister said monks and scholars from other countries have also shown interest in the state’s Buddhist culture. “We know of scholars from London who are interested to travel to our state,” he claimed.

The state government has also petitioned Delhi to liberalise the Restricted Area Permit regime for the state. Foreign tourists need the permits to visit the border state.