Celebrating Major Bob Khathing, the Unsung Hero Who Secured Tawang for India

Today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a museum in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, honoring Major Ralengnao ‘Bob’ Khathing, the visionary Naga officer from Manipur whose bold expedition in 1951 firmly integrated Tawang into India. This act of remembrance is not only a tribute to Khathing’s bravery but also a significant moment for the Indian armed forces and the people of Arunachal Pradesh, who regard his legacy as essential to the region’s history.
Major Khathing was more than just a soldier; he was a diplomat and administrator who adeptly combined military strategy with soft diplomacy. Born in Manipur, Khathing rose through the ranks to become an officer in the Assam Rifles. Later, he joined the Indian Frontier Administrative Service (IFAS), a newly formed body designed to administer the sensitive and remote regions of the Northeast, particularly what is now Arunachal Pradesh. His reputation for courage and leadership earned him roles of significant responsibility, including Chief Secretary of Nagaland and later India’s ambassador to Myanmar.
Khathing’s list of decorations—Military Cross (MC), Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), and the Padma Shri—reflects his unique contributions to India. Despite his accolades, it is the Tawang expedition that cements his place in the annals of Indian history. This daring mission in the face of harsh conditions and formidable adversaries is often regarded as legendary, especially in the Northeastern states where Khathing is revered.
Khathing’s mission to Tawang was a response to growing concerns over China’s influence in Tibet and its implications for India’s borders. After China officially declared Tibet as part of its territory in 1949, followed by its annexation in 1951, Indian leaders realized the need to secure regions close to the McMahon Line, which marked the boundary with Tibet. Then Assam Governor Jairamdas Daulatram tasked Khathing, who was serving as an Assistant Political Officer in IFAS, with establishing Indian administration in Tawang.
The conditions of the expedition were severe, as described in the book Major Bob Khathing: The Profile of a Nationalist Manipuri Naga by Lt. Col. H. Bhuban Singh. With no roads or infrastructure, Khathing’s team trekked through icy mountains and forbidding passes, facing thin air, extreme cold, and challenging terrain. Sela Pass, at an altitude of around 14,000 feet, tested the endurance of his men. Despite these obstacles, they pressed on, driven by their mission to establish Indian authority in Tawang.
Khathing’s diplomatic skills played a crucial role in his success. Upon reaching Tawang, he understood that winning over the locals was essential for lasting peace. He reassured the people that Indian governance would not disrupt their religious practices or cultural traditions, allaying fears of interference in the monastic life of Tawang, which held significant spiritual importance as the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso.
During his interactions, Khathing assured India’s commitment to religious freedom under its new Constitution. This assurance helped dispel mistrust, allowing Khathing to secure the cooperation of local leaders. The supplies carried by his team, including food, salt, and cigarettes, also served as goodwill gestures, making his forces a source of relief rather than a burden to the community.
In a symbolic show of strength, Khathing ordered his troops to form a formation and “fix bayonets” upon his arrival in Tawang, sending a clear message that India was prepared to defend its claim over the territory. This tactic, coupled with his respectful engagement with the locals, exemplified his dual approach of firmness and diplomacy.
Major Bob Khathing’s successful integration of Tawang into India remains a defining chapter in Northeast India’s history. His actions safeguarded India’s northern frontier and demonstrated the importance of both military resolve and cultural sensitivity in managing frontier regions. By establishing a permanent administrative headquarters in Tawang, Khathing ensured that India’s presence was not only symbolic but institutionalized, securing a region that continues to be of critical strategic importance.
The museum dedicated to Khathing is more than a tribute; it is a reminder of the sacrifices and challenges faced by those who secure India’s borders. In the current geopolitical climate, as India navigates its relationship with China along the LAC, the memory of Khathing’s fearless expedition holds renewed relevance.