Major Bob Khathing Day: The hero who hoisted tricolour in Tawang & integrated it into India against Chinese aggression

February 14, the day when the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India was reaffirmed by the bravery and valour of Major Bob Khathing against Chinese aggression. The day when the strategically vital Tawang province in present day Arunachal Pradesh was reclaimed into the Union of India as an impact of the vision and foresightedness of Major Bob Khathing. Today, Tawang stands as a strong fort amidst the massive Eastern Himalayas, protecting the national security of India.

The credit to this indeed goes to Major Bob Khathing. He infact, accomplished an incredible task which was indeed impossible to the British for decades. A more interesting fact is that Major Bob Khathing successfully thwarted the aggressive footprints of the Chinese in the Indian territory of Tawang without firing a single bullet and without bloodshed. Bob Khathing thus stands a strong fort who protected the frontiers of India with his strategic smartness against foreign aggression.

February 14, 1951: The day tricolour was hoisted in Tawang

The year was 1950. India was a newly independent country and was struggling to protect its territories to form the solid Union of India. Parallely, in China Mao Zedong, the founder of People’s Republic of China(PRC) in 1949 was swiftly consolidating his power. China aggressively annexed Tibet and its next target was Tawang, which was the part of North East Frontier Agency(NEFA), present day Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang which lies in the borders of Tibet was determined as a territory of India in the 1914 Simla Convention, when the McMohan line was demarcated between India and China. Thus, Tawang was a British-Indian territory which automatically became the territory of India, in the post independent era. Yet, the Chinese Army led by Mao aimed to annex the region.

At such a critical juncture, the Naga Officer from Manipur Major Bob Khathing emerged into the picture to protect the sovereignty of India. With his diplomatic skills, street smartness, knowledge of the local ecosystem and trust-building skills, Bob Khathing peacefully integrated Tawang into India without bloodshed. He hoisted the tricolour high on the Himalayas of Tawang, thus giving a befitting reply to the Chinese aggression. On February 14, 1951 Major Bob Khathing protected the region which is politically, strategically and spiritually important to India as the second largest monastery for Tibetan Buddhism.

Bob Khating: The saviour of Tawang and the integrity of India

The administrative control of Tawang was predominantly held with the Buddhist monasteries with minimal influence of British rule. Despite repeated attempts in 1914 and 1938(during World War 2) to control Tawang, the British had limited control of the region. With the rise of communist rule in China led by Mao Zedong and the completion of the annexation of Tibet by 1951 by the Chinese Army, Tawang became more vulnerable to Chinese intrusion. Tibet which acted as a buffer zone between India(Tawang) and China was no longer applicable. Thus, the strategic and security challenges spiked for the newly independent India.

At such a precarious and challenging situation, then Governor of Assam, Jairamdas Daulatram, gave Major Bob Khathing the responsibility of protecting the integrity of Twang and extending the administration of India till the frontiers. The mission of Bob Khathing to protect Tawang from Chinese intrusion began on January 17, 1951 along with 100 other soldiers from the Assam Rifles. By crossing the rough Himalayan terrains and harsh jungles, Major Bob Khathing reached Tawang. This was more than a military conflict. It was about extending India’s administration to Tawang with the compliance or acceptance of the local population.

Bob Khathing began his task in Tawang. He aimed to seek friendship and acceptance from local headmen and other elders of the village. He helped them in their needs. Fulfilled their ambitions. Extended food to the local people. Gave ears to their concerns and problems. He reaffirmed to the elders, leaders, youth and women of Tawang that the extension of Indian administration to the region will not harm their culture, tribal ethos etc. Their institutions and faith will be completely protected. Major Bob Khathing asserted that the Republic of India, will respect the beliefs and unique culture of Tawang. Bob Khathing ultimately confirmed to the people of Tawang that the Government of India only aims for the welfare of the people and strives to protect the sovereignty, national security and territorial integrity against aggression, it has no other illicit aim.

Thus, on February 14, 1951, with the complete acknowledgement and acceptance from the people of Tawang and the Buddhist monasteries, Major Bob Khathing hoisted the national flag of India, in the strategically vital region, thus successfully defended the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India against alien aggression, without bloodshed, but with peace and respect and acceptance from the local populace. The courage, valour and unwavering diplomatic skills or commitment of Major Bob Khathing will thus inspire generations ahead in the path to protect the motherland.