Memorial to Maj Khathing who set up Indian control over Tawang to come up

Itanagar, Feb 14 A memorial will be set up in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang to keep alive the sacrifice and bravery of Major Ralengnao 'Bob' Khathing, who had established Indian administrative control over the border town 70 years ago.

Before February 1951, Tawang, despite being part of India since 1914 through the Simla Convention, was administered from Lhasa.

Officials said that it was a historic "Valentine's Day" celebration here at Tawang - when respect and love showered to late Major Khathing - as the works for establishing the memorial were formally began on Sunday.

Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said he would request the Union Education Ministry to include the story of Major Khathing in school text books.

The Arunachal Pradesh government would set up the memorial land for which was donated by the people of Tawang.

The foundation stone of the memorial was laid by Governor Brig B.D. Mishra

( With inputs from IANS )