Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], December 5 (ANI): The Arunachal Pradesh government and the Indian Army signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the maintenance and upkeep of the Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing Museum of Valor in Tawang.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday. The MoA was officially executed between Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kangki Darang and Brigadier V S Rajput of the 190 Mountain Brigade.

The MoA ensures that the Indian Army will oversee the museum's management, securing its long-term maintenance.

Chief Minister Khandu paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister, highlighting Patel’s directive for Major Bob Khathing to travel to Tawang in 1951 and establish administrative control over the region, which was previously under Tibetan administration.

This crucial step integrated Tawang into India, reflecting Patel's vision of a unified nation. Khandu also credited Major Bob Khathing and Assam's then-Governor Daulat Ram for their pivotal roles in securing Tawang.

'If not for Sardar Patel, Major Bob Khathing, and Governor Daulat Ram, who knows, we Monpas and the Tawang region might have been under China-controlled Tibet today!' he remarked.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Indian Army, particularly the Tawang-based 190 Mountain Brigade, for providing defense land for the museum's establishment and agreeing to manage it. He assured full government support in the museum's maintenance and management.

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, ZPC Tawang, Heads of Departments, and senior Army officials.

(ANI)