Guwahati, Dec 4: A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been signed between the Indian Army and the state government for the maintenance and management of the Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing Museum of Valor in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kangki Darang and Brigadier V.S. Rajput of the 190 Mountain Brigade formalized the agreement, under which the Indian Army will assume full responsibility for the museum’s operations.
During the event, Chief Minister Khandu paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, who played a pivotal role in integrating Tawang into India. He highlighted Major Bob Khathing’s historic mission in 1951, under Patel’s guidance, which established Indian administrative control over Tawang, then governed by the Tibetan administration.
“If not for Sardar Patel, Major Bob Khathing, and Assam’s then Governor Daulat Ram, who knows—Tawang and the Monpa people might be under China-controlled Tibet today!” Khandu remarked.
Khandu expressed deep gratitude to the Indian Army, particularly the Tawang-based 190 Mountain Brigade, for allocating defence land for the museum and agreeing to oversee its management. He assured government support for any future maintenance or administrative needs.
The event was attended by Tourism Minister P.D. Sona, legislators Oken Tayeng and Namge Tsering, Tourism Secretary, commanders of the 106 and 46 Brigades, the Zila Parishad Chairperson of Tawang, senior Army officials, and heads of various departments.
