Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh): The Arunachal Pradesh government has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Indian Army to oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing Museum of Valor. The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu at Tawang on Wednesday.
The MoA, signed between Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kangki Darang and Brigadier V S Rajput of the 190 Mountain Brigade, ensures that the Indian Army will take full responsibility for managing the museum.
Tributes to Nation-Building Visionaries
During the ceremony, Chief Minister Pema Khandu paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, and Major Bob Khathing, who played a pivotal role in establishing administrative control over Tawang in 1951 under Patel’s directives. This historic act integrated Tawang into India, which was previously under Tibetan administration.
“If not for Sardar Patel, Major Bob Khathing, and the then Governor of Assam Daulat Ram, who knows, we Monpas and the Tawang region today might have been under China-controlled Tibet region!” said Khandu, emphasizing their contributions to securing Tawang as part of India.
Museum Development
The museum, located on defense land allocated by the Tawang-based 190 Mountain Brigade, commemorates Major Bob Khathing’s role in Indian history. CM Khandu expressed gratitude to the Indian Army for taking on the museum’s management and pledged full government support whenever needed.
Key Attendees
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Tourism Minister P D Sona, legislators Oken Tayeng and Namge Tsering, the Tourism Secretary, commanders of the 106 and 46 Brigades, the ZPC Tawang, department heads, and senior Army officials.
This collaboration highlights the continued partnership between the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Indian Army in preserving the region’s historical and cultural legacy.