Memorial for Major Khathing who brought Tawang under India's control 70 years ago

Seventy years after he brought Tawang in present Arunachal Pradesh under India's administrative control, a foundation stone in memory of Major Ralengnao Khathing was laid on Sunday.

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brigadier (retired) B D Mishra laid the foundation stone at Tawang, bordering China, at a function which was attended by Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, among others.

A statue of Major Khathing was also unveiled and Arunachal Pradesh government bestowed Arunachal Ratna, the state's highest civilian award posthumously upon him in recognition of his service to the nation.

Tawang became part of British India after the signing of the Simla Convention in 1914 by Great Britain, China and Tibet. But the area remained out of its administrative control due to various reasons till Major Khathing hoisted the tricolour there in 1951 after an arduous journey. Tawang was under Tibet's control till then, officials said.

The establishment of the memorial is seen as significant as China still claims that entire Arunachal Pradesh belongs to its South Tibet territory. But India has time and again rejected China's claim and has stepped up defence preparedness along its border in the state.

Born in Manipur, Khathing participated in World War II and helped the allied forces to gather information about Japanese troops' movement in northeast, one of the theatres of the war. He served as a Captain in the British Army’s ‘Victor Force Operation. "This is a momentous day for all in Arunachal Pradesh and in the entire country," Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said at the function.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Union Minister of State for Sports and Lok Sabha member from Arunachal Pradesh, Kiren Rijiju, among many attended the function on Sunday. "This memorial will go a long way in keeping the memory of Major Bob Khathing alive. Today, I salute Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing, northeast's brave son for all that he has done," Sangma said.

Khathing's eldest son, John SR Khathing accepted the Arunachal Ratna award posthumously given to his father.