Itanagar: The Indian Army celebrated Major Bob Khating Day at the Tawang War Memorial on Tuesday (February 14)—the day when Major Khating, for the first time, hoisted the national flag in Tawang about 72 years ago by establishing Indian administrative control in the border town in Arunachal Pradesh.
On the occasion, Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kesang Ngurup Damo unfurled the national flag marking the historic event.
According to official sources, the DC, along with Commander of Tawang Brigade Brigadier NM Bendigeri and other ranks, paid tribute to Major Ralengnau Bob Khating, who consolidated the Shimla pact of 1914 and made Tawang an integral part of India on February 6, 1951.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC expressed his gratitude to the Indian Army, particularly the GOC of 5 Mountain Division and Commander, Tawang Brigade, for initiating such an important day, and stated that in the coming years, this day can be celebrated as Tawang Day, as on February 14, 1951, Maj. Khating hoisted the Indian national flag for the first time in Tawang, thereby making it an integral part of the great nation.
He further informed that, on the initiative of the government, a state-of-the-art museum in memory of Major Khating will be coming up soon, and expressed hope that next year on this day it could be dedicated to the public.
Damo reassured the soldiers present on the occasion that the people of Arunachal are always behind the Indian Army for any eventuality. In his address to the veteran soldiers, the DC asked them to set an example for their respective villages in matters of discipline and sincerity.
The Gaon Burahs of various villages, Monpa Mimang Tsogpa (MMT) secretary general Namgey Tsering, public leaders, ex-servicemen, officers, and jawans from paramilitary forces stationed in Tawang, students, and members of the public participated in the celebration.
The students took part in a declamation programme, while singer Tenzin Choiphel presented beautiful songs.
The GBs and a family member of one of the employees who served under Major Khating were felicitated by the DC and the Tawang Brigade Commander on the occasion, sources said.
