Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced that the state government would recognize the contribution of Major Bob Khathing for officially bringing Tawang under the Indian rule way back in 1951.

Ralengnao Khathing, popularly known as Bob Khathing, is relatively an unknown figure for most of Arunachal and even India, but people of Tawang still remember him with respect for being the sole Indian official to come as their saviour when the Chinese threat loomed large.

Speaking at a function held to felicitate newly elected Gram Panchayat and Zilla Parishad members, Khandu said that a memorial will be constructed in honour of Major Khathing by the state government at a site to be decided by the district administration. 

Khandu further informed that the foundation stone of the memorial will be laid on 14 February next, the day it is believed Major Khathing hoisted the tri-colour in Tawang for the first time in 1951. The memorial will also house a museum of Monpa tradition and a cafeteria, the CM said and added that once the memorial is constructed, visitors will come to know about Major Khathing and his contributions while having a glimpse of Monpa life.