New Delhi/Itanagar, 31 October (HS): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday virtually dedicated the 'Desh Ka Vallabh' statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Major Ralengnao 'Bob' Khathing 'Valour Museum' to the nation in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. He was to visit Tawang but could not due to bad weather.
The Defence Minister began his address by referring to the broad consensus reached by India and China to restore the ground status in some areas along the LAC. He said that our effort is to take this matter forward by ending the deployment on the forward fronts but for this we will have to wait a little more.
Rajnath Singh paid emotional tribute to Sardar Patel, known as the Iron Man of India. He underlined his pivotal role in unifying over 560 princely states after Independence and said his achievement stands as a testimony to his indomitable resolve and commitment to a unified India. He said the ‘Desh Ka Vallabh’ statue will inspire us by reminding people of the strength in unity and the unwavering spirit required to build a diverse nation like ours.
The Defence Minister also paid tributes to Major Bob Khathing. An extraordinary individual, Khathing has made invaluable contributions to the Northeast region and national security. Rajnath said Major Khathing not only led the peaceful integration of Tawang into India but also established the necessary military and security infrastructure, including the Sashastra Seema Bal, Nagaland Armed Police and the Naga Regiment. The ‘Shaurya Sangrahalaya’ now stands as a tribute to his bravery and vision, inspiring generations to come.
The Defence Minister highlighted the crucial role of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in the progress of the region. He made a special mention of the Sela tunnel connecting Assam and Tawang. This project increases connectivity in the entire Northeast region. He said that in the coming times, the Arunachal Frontier Highway Project will play a big role in connecting the entire North East region, especially the border areas. This 2,000 kilometer long highway will prove to be an important strategic and economic asset for the region as well as the entire country.
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lieutenant General KT Parnaik (Retired), Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Major Bob Khathing's family were present at the inauguration site.
At the same time, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (Eastern Command) Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, GOC 4 Corps Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh and other senior civil and military officers joined the program virtually with the Defense Minister.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
