Major Ralengnao Bob
Khathing, who played a critical role in bringing Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang
under Indian control, was honoured on Sunday in Tawang. The ceremony was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, as well as
Chief Ministers of two states – Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, alongside other
central representatives, including a central minister and a governor, PTI
reported.

Khathing’s heroics
in the early 1950s as an Assistant Political Officer of the-then North East
Frontier Agency (NEFA) to bring Tawang under Indian control was supervised by Jairamdas
Daulatram, Assam’s Governor at the time.

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“Khathing was
one of the most significant heroes of India whose immense contribution cannot
be forgotten. A due recognition will be given to Khathing, who was so far
neglected,” Rijiju was quoted as saying by PTI, who was joined on Sunday by
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khangdu, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad
Sangma, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brigadier (Retired) BD Mishra, as well as
General Rawat, all of whom were present for the foundation stone laying ceremony of Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing Memorial in Tawang’s Kalawangpo auditorium.

The Major’s son
John, who himself is a retired IRS officer, and other family members, were also present for the ceremony.

Khathing, who
originally is a Naga from Manipur and remained in charge of administrative control
of the independent Tibetan government before the Second World War, was ordered
by Daultram to start the march towards Tawang with 200 Assam Rifle soldiers and
600 porters on January 17, 1951.

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Reportedly, historical accounts
related to the NEFA state Khathing to have called a meeting on the higher
grounds near the Tawang Monastery upon reaching the place with the local tax
officials and village elders, managing eventually to win them over.

Earlier, the area was controlled by the Tibetan administration.