Major Ralengnao (Bob) Khathing remembered fittingly
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 28 2012: The birth centenary of Major Ralengnao (Bob) Khathing was celebrated in a simple ceremony at his family home at Mantripukhri today.

The ceremony began with opening rhymes and followed by welcome address by John Somi R Khathing, brother of (late) Major Bob Khathing.

Taking part at the centenary event, IGAR (S) Maj Gen UK Gurung described Maj Khathing as 'Legend of the East' and an iconic bold military leader who led the men in peace and war from the front.

Said to be the first Naga commissioned in the 19 Hyderabad Regiment and groomed in the company of Gen Thimaya and Gen TN Raina, the former later becoming the Chief of the Army Staff, the IGAR (S) declared that to commemorate Maj Khathing's birth centenary, the Assam Rifles would host Maj Khathing memorial football tournament every year at Ukhrul beginning from this year.

Stating that the Nation is indebted to Maj Khathing for what he achieved in his life time through ceaseless commitment and determination, UK Gurung said Maj Khathing's association with Assam Rifles dated back to World War II when he joined the V Force under Maj Ennoy of 4 AR.

Birth centenary function of Bob Khathing on

Volunteers from Assam Rifles were key members of this team which were entrusted to stop and disrupt the Japanese advance through Ukhrul to Kohima and Imphal, recounted the IGAR (S) adding that for his vision and selfless devotion that made him fight the Japanese by putting his (Maj Khathing) life to great risk he was later awarded MBE and MC for his gallantry and devotion to duty, an unparalleled achievement in the history of the Indian Army.

His desire to go beyond the call of the duty made him join 2 Assam Rifles at the time when the nation was going through the turbulence of reorganization, further highlighted the Major General.

Later he was asked by then governor of Assam to lead an expedition of Assam Rifles to Tawang to bring the area under Indian control, a task almost impossible for 200 soldiers to accomplish.

Accepting the assignment, Maj Khathing along with a company of 5 Assam Rifles under Capt Limbu set on the journey of nation building which he achieved in a military precision, said UK Gurung while saluting 'this great son of the soil' while conveying a sense of pride and gratefulness that such a legend was associated with this unique force of Assam Rifles.

"It is said that history does not remember those who follow it but history remember those who create it.

Major Bob Khathing created history in his life time.

He indeed created history in many ways as a soldier and as a civil servant" .

"I conclude by quoting Gen MacArthur who said 'soldiers never die they just fade away'.

But Maj Bob you are still amongst us guiding us and being the ideal for the current and the future generations of soldiers.

Today we stand united to salute you".

Meanwhile, the opening match of the Maj Bob Khathing memorial football tournament organised by 17 AR saw Awongtang cruise to a 4-1 victory over Winotang at Ukhrul this afternoon.