Want to take it beyond disengagement with China: Rajnath Singh after virtually inaugurating the museum at Tawang

Singh virtually addressed the jawans from the army's 4 Corps Headquarters at Tezpur in Assam.

Guwahati, DHNS: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said it would take a little longer to take the ties with China beyond disengagement at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), on a day troops of both neighbours exchanged sweets to celebrate the Diwali.

"India and China have been holding talks at both diplomatic and military levels to resolve the differences in some areas along the LAC. As a result of the talks, a broad consensus was developed on the basis of equal and mutual security. The consensus includes the rights of patrolling and grazing in traditional areas. Based on this consensus, the process of disengagement is almost complete. Our efforts will be to take the matter beyond disengagement; but for that, we will have to wait a little longer,” Singh said after virtually inaugurating a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and a 'Museum of Valour' at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, from Tezpur in Assam.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated a statue of Sardar Vallabbhai Patel at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, from Tezpur in Assam.

Singh virtually addressed the jawans from the army's 4 Corps Headquarters at Tezpur as his plan to celebrate Diwali with the military at Tawang, sharing border with China, had to be cancelled on Wednesday due to inclement weather. Addressing the jawans at Tezpur on Wednesday evening, Singh said the disengagement agreement could be signed due to discipline and valour of the Indian forces along the border with China.

Singh's statement hinted about no immediate withdrawal of troops from the LAC even as disengagement was almost complete.

The museum was named after Major Ralengnao 'Bob' Khathing, who had led an expedition in 1951 to establish Indian administration at Tawang.

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. Gen (retd) KT Parnaik, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu, Manipur CM N. Biren Singh, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, beside others attended the event at Tawang, said a statement issued by the Defence Minister on Thursday.

The events coincided with the celebration of ‘Deepawali’ as well as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ which is celebrated on October 31 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The event at Tawang is significant given China's repeated claims over Arunachal Pradesh and objections to the visit by Indian Ministers and top officials to the frontier state. India, however, rejected China's claims and asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is part and parcel of India.

Singh paid tributes to Sardar Patel, acknowledging his instrumental role in unifying over 560 princely states post-independence, a feat that stands as a testament to his indomitable resolve and commitment to a unified India. “This statue ‘Desh Ka Vallabh’ will inspire people, reminding them of the strength in unity and the unwavering spirit required to build a nation as diverse as ours,” he said.

The defence minister also paid homage to Major Bob Khathing, an extraordinary figure who made invaluable contributions to the Northeast region and national security. “Major Khathing not only led the peaceful integration of Tawang into India but also established essential military and security frameworks, including the Sashastra Seema Bal, Nagaland Armed Police, and the Naga Regiment. The ‘Museum of Valour’ now stands as a tribute to his bravery and foresight, inspiring generations to come,” said an official statement quoting the Defence Minister.