Tribal leader Bob Khathing established Indian administration in Tawang

Ralengnao Khathing led an expedition of Assam Rifles into Tawang in 1951 to establish an Indian administrative presence in the region of present-day Arunachal Pradesh.

As the Assistant Political Officer of the North East Frontier Agency, Khathing navigated difficult mountainous terrain to reach the area. His mission aimed to bring the region under regular Indian administration because it had previously maintained Tibetan administrative influence despite its location south of the McMahon Line.

On February 14, 1951, he hoisted the Indian national flag in Tawang to mark the milestone. Khathing held numerous high-ranking positions throughout his career, including serving as the Chief Secretary of Nagaland in 1967. He also worked as a Political Officer in Tuensang and the first Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung district. During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, he served as the Security Commissioner and Chief Civil Liaison Officer of IV Corps at Tezpur.

His work helped develop state administrative and security institutions, such as the Nagaland Armed Police and the Naga Regiment. In 1972, Khathing became the first person of tribal origin to serve as India’s Ambassador to Burma. He received several honors for his service, including the Military Cross, the Member of the Order of the British Empire, and the Padma Shri in 1957. The first Padma Shri recipient from Manipur, Khathing died in 1990.

The government of Arunachal Pradesh is planning a memorial to recognize his contributions to the nation.