AR honours Maj Bob Khathing, rifleman Arya
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 28 2025: Assam Rifles on Friday organised a tribute event in honour of Major Bob Khathing on the occasion of his 113th birth anniversary at Valley View, Mantripukhri.

The event was attended by military and civil dignitaries, including John Khathing, son of Major Bob Khathing, Outer Manipur Lok Sabha MP Alfred Kanngam Arthur and Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) .

According to PRO IGAR(S), Major Bob Khathing, a recipient of Padma Shri, Military Cross (MC), and member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), remains one of the most iconic and respected figures in the history of North East India.

AR honours Maj Bob Khathing, rifleman Arya

His heroic contributions during World War II, particularly with the renowned "Victor Force," earned him the Military Cross and MBE for his gallantry.

In addition to his remarkable wartime service, Major Khathing played pivotal roles in the post-independence era, significantly contributing to the development and peace in North East.

He was a key figure during the transitional period in the states of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Sikkim.

Notably, he served as the assistant political officer in the erstwhile North East Frontier Agency and was the first officer to successfully unfurl the Indian tri-colour at Tawang in 1951.For his exceptional services to the region, he was honoured with the Padma Shri by the first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad, in 1957, the PRO conveyed.

In his speech, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) emphasised the enduring impact of Major Bob Khathing's legacy on the peach, security and development of North East India.

He expressed gratitude to the Khathing family for attending the event and reiterated the importance of remembering and honouring those who contributed to shaping the vibrant and growing North East.

The ceremony also featured a felicitation programme wherein the Khathing family honoured exceptional students from the region.

A total of five students, who had excelled in the class X and XII board examinations in various streams, were recognised for their academic achievements.

Each recipient was awarded a cash prize along with a certificate for their outstanding performance, the PRO informed.

On the other hand, Assam Rifles organised a wreath laying ceremony at Sehlon in Chandel district to honour rifleman Surendar Lal Arya who made the supreme sacrifice during intense counter insurgency operation in Silchar, Assam in the year 1995.According to the PRO, rifleman Surendar Lal Arya was on duty at observation post at Kalainchara Post when insurgents opened fire.

Surendar, displaying raw courage, fired at the insurgents and successfully averted attack on the post, but was shot at the abdomen and evacuated to hospital where he succumbed to injuries on February 28, 1995.The ceremony was attended by senior officials of Assam Rifles.