Civilian-Army bonding event begins in Tawang

TAWANG, Sept 10: Lt Gen AS Bedi, Commander of the Tezpur-based 4th Corps, on Sunday inaugurated the Maitree Divas programme in presence of RWD Parliamentary Secretary Jambey Tashi and Tawang MLA Tsering Tashi at the Tsangyang Gyatso stadium here.
Tawang DC, Dr Sonal Swaroop, GOC Five Mountain Division, Maj Gen RS Shekawat and GoC 71 Mountain Division, Maj Gen PNA Narayana were also present on the occasion, a report from the DIPRO said.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju and spiritual leader Ravi Shankar could not attend the two-day event due to inclement weather. 
Khandu, in a message read out by Jambey Tashi, conveyed his greetings to the people and termed the celebration as a humble statement of relation of love and respect between the local populace and the Army.
The chief minister hoped that the beautiful relationship been built and maintained over the ages would continue to safeguard the interest of our nation.
Addressing the gathering, Lt Gen Bedi said he was happy that the event has been organised after six years and believed it would go a long way in strengthening the civilian-army bond and also in deepening the feeling of patriotism amongst the local youths.”It is imperative that we work hand in hand to ensure external as well as internal security of our nation. The Army will continue to work towards realising the dream of a self-reliant and dignified Arunachal,” he said, reflecting on the Army’s role in development of the society in various fields.
Tashi thanked the Army for its cooperation during times of crisis in the form of natural calamities and other disasters and assured that the people of Arunachal in general and Tawang in particular would always stand by them in all their endeavours.
He expressed happiness that the Army recruitment rallies and admission in Sainik Schools have given the local youths an opportunity to build their career and also serve the nation.
Brigadier MP Singh, Commander, Station HQ Tawang was honoured with a Certificate of Commendation by the state government as an  acknowledgement of his contribution towards reaffirming people’s confidence in the Army.
Hundreds of local people were left spellbound by the display of military might and extravagant cultural performances by schoolchildren, army personnel and traditional cultural troupes.
As desired by the chief minister, a Biometric Enrolment Centre was set up by the Department of Statistics at the venue. A medical camp was also organised jointly by the Department of Health and Family Welfare and the Army.
The event, jointly organised by the Army, local administration 
and YUVA Arunachal, was attended by Zilla Parishad Chairperson Jambey Tsering, SP Tawang, and abbot of Tawang Monastery Rikya Lhavoe Rinpoche amongst others, the report said.