The Arunachal Pradesh government has signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the Indian Army to ensure the maintenance and management of the Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing Museum of Valour, located in Tawang district. The signing took place on Wednesday, with Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kangki Darang and Brigadier VS Rajput of the 190 Mountain Brigade executing the agreement in the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
According to an official statement released on Thursday, this partnership means that the museum will be managed solely by the Indian Army, signifying an important step in preserving the historical site. The museum is dedicated to honoring Major Bob Khathing, a significant figure in the region’s history.
During the signing ceremony, Chief Minister Khandu paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of India, under whose leadership Major Bob Khathing took crucial steps in 1951 to establish administrative control over Tawang, which had previously been managed by the Tibetan administration. Khandu emphasized the pivotal role of these historical figures, stating, “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 would have been under China-controlled Tibet region.”
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude towards the Indian Army, particularly the 190 Mountain Brigade based in Tawang, for providing defense land for the museum’s establishment and for taking on the responsibility of its management. He assured that the state government would gladly support the Army in any required maintenance or management efforts concerning the museum.
In attendance were State Tourism Minister P D Sona, local legislators Oken Tayeng and Namge Tsering, the Tourism Secretary, and commanders of the 106 and 46 Brigades, all of whom highlighted the collaboration between the military and government in preserving the region’s rich heritage.
