Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang district on Thursday to inaugurate the Museum of Valour dedicated to Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing and unveil a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the border district.
The defence minister will also celebrate Diwali with soldiers stationed along the India-China border.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu welcomed Rajnath Singh to the state.
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The two monuments dedicated to two great and brave souls (Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ) will always remind us of their critical contributions to our country's integrity and sovereignty, the chief minister said in a social media post.
The heroic deed of Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing, who bravely led an expedition in February 1951 to bring the Indian administration to Tawang, has no parallel in human history, the CM added.
The heroic deed of Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing, who bravely led an expedition in February 1951 to bring Indian administration in Tawang, has no parallel in human history.
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) October 30, 2024
What 'Iron Man' Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel did as India's first Home Minister by integrating several princely… pic.twitter.com/2DDY9ox9Kd
Who was Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing
Major Khathing's military career began when he joined the British Army during World War II. He was awarded the Military Cross and the Member of the Order of the British Empire for his bravery in guerrilla operations against Japanese forces in Burma.
After the war, Khathing moved to civil service. In 1951, he led a contingent of Assam Rifles troops to Tawang, which was then under Tibetan control, held negotiations with Tibetan officials and raised local support to bring Tawang under India.
