ITANAGAR: Chief Minister Pema Khandu paid tribute to the great Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister, in Tawang on this occasion.
He underlined Patel's role in ensuring the region for India when he sent Major Bob Khathing in 1951 to take administrative control of Tawang, which was then under Tibetan administration.
Speaking at the occasion, Khandu reminded, "If not for Sardar Patel, Major Bob Khathing, and the then Governor of Assam, Daulat Ram, the Monpa community and Tawang might have been part of the China-controlled Tibet region today.
The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Indian Army for the management and maintenance of the Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing Museum of Valor in Tawang. This museum pays tribute to the role of Major Khathing in the integration of the region with India.
The MoA was signed by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kanki Darang and Brigadier V.S. Rajput of the 190 Mountain Brigade, which is based in Tawang. Under this agreement, the museum will now be managed solely by the Indian Army.
Chief Minister Khandu thanked the Indian Army and particularly the 190 Mountain Brigade for granting defense land for the museum and ensuring its upkeep the same. He guaranteed that full support from his government would be available anytime needed for maintenance.
Tourism Minister P.D. Sona, the legislators Oken Tayeng and Namge Tsering, and senior army officials were present on the occasion of the function along with several other dignitaries headed by the Tawang Zilla Parishad Chairperson.
The collaboration between the state government and the Indian Army ensures that the Major Bob Khathing Museum will continue to inspire and educate future generations about the region’s historical significance and its integration into India.
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