Rajnath cancels Tawang trip, Biren in ArP
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 30 2024: Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who was scheduled to travel to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh to unveil a statue of (late) deputy prime minister Sardar Vallabhai Patel and inaugurate the 'Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing Museum of Valour' on Thursday, cancelled his plans due to unspecified reasons.

However, chief minister N Biren along with Works minister K Govindas, PHE minister L Susindro, and MLAs Losii Dikho, J Kumo Sha, Th Shanti, Leishiyo Keishing, Sapam Kun-jakeswor (Keba) and Kh Ibomcha are in Arunachal Pradesh to attend the event.

Defence minister Ra janth was slated to travel to Arunachal Pradesh with union minister of parliament affairs Kiren Rijiju from New Delhi on a two-day trip to Arunachal Pradesh and celebrate the Diwali Festival with the armed forces personnel in Arunachal Pradesh.

However, Rajnath cancelled his travel plan, reasons for which could not be ascertained.

Meanwhile, Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing's eldest son Johan Khathing (IRS) will deliver speech at the inauguration programme while a troupe of Hunphun Tangkhul Cultural Dance, Ukhrul will present cultural performance.

As per earlier tour itinerary, Rajnath will travel to Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday to inaugurate the Museum of Valour dedicated to Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing and unveil a statue of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the border district.

He also had plan to celebrate Diwali with soldiers stationed along the In dia-China border, officials said on Wednesday.

Sharing the information on X, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu welcomed both Rajnath Singh and the Manipur CM to the state.

"The inauguration of Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing Museum of Valour and unveiling of Desh Ka Vallabh, the statue of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Tawang, by him in the august presence of Hon'ble Manipur CM Shri @NBirenSingh ji and other dignitaries will be cherished by us for ages to come," Khandu posted in the micro-blogging site.

"The heroic deed of Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing, who bravely led an expedition in February 1951 to bring the Indian administration to Tawang, has no parallel in human history.

What "Iron Man' Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel did as India's first Home Minister by integrating several princely states into the country leaves us forever indebted to him.

I on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh heartily welcome Hon Defence Minister Shri @rajnathsingh ji on the pious land of dawn-lit mountains," the chief minister said.

The two monuments dedicated to two great and brave souls will always remind us of their critical contributions to our country's integrity and sovereignty, the chief minister said in another social media post.

Set against the backdrop of the eastern Himalayas, Tawang has long symbolised India's commitment to securing its borders.

Rajnath's (now cancelled) visit, was in the backdrop of India and China reaching a breakthrough in patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.

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