Itanagar: In a great honour to the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), an important military camp of Indian Army guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Kibithu and a key road along the Indo-China border were on Saturday named after the late CDS General Bipin Rawat, who died in a helicopter crash in December 2021.
Kibithu is a small hamlet on the banks of the Lohit Valley in the Eastern most part of India.
Gen Rawat commanded his battalion 5/11 Gorkha Rifles as a Colonel at Kibithu from 1999-2000 and contributed immensely in strengthening the security structure of the area. His vision and foresight were instrumental in implementing the infrastructural development and social growth in the area which greatly benefitted the local populace.
“To honour his selfless service to a grateful nation, the Kibithu Military Camp and the 22-km road stretch from Walong to Kibithu were named after Gen Bipin Rawat at a solemn dedication ceremony held at Kibithu on 10 Sep 2022 at the behest of the State Government,” a Defence spokesperson said.
The event was graced by Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) Dr BD Mishra and Chief Minister Pema Khandu, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Eastern Command Lt Gen RP Kalita and the daughters of Gen Rawat. Several senior military and civilian dignitaries were also present.
During the ceremony, Kibithu Military Camp was renamed as General Bipin Rawat Military Garrison wherein a grand gate built in local traditional architectural style was inaugurated by the Governor.
The 22-km road stretch from Walong to Kibithu was dedicated as General Bipin Rawat Marg by the Chief Minister. A majestic life size mural of the General was also unveiled.
The event was also witnessed by citizens of Kibithu and Walong.
“The dedication ceremony has further synergized civil-military relations and is a befitting tribute to the first Chief of Defence Staff of India,” stated a release from Tezpur-based Defence PRO Lt Col A S Walia.
