Lagatar24desk
Kibithu, Sept 10: The Kibithu military base in Arunachal was named in memory of the late General Bipin Rawat, the nation’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Along with his wife Madhulika Rawat and 12 other military members, General Rawat died in a helicopter crash in December last year.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, state governor Brig BD Mishra (Retd), prominent military and civilian dignitaries, and daughters of the late CDS all attended the ceremony to rename the military post.
During the occasion, Kibithu Military Camp was renamed General Bipin Rawat Military Garrison, and the Governor opened a grand gate constructed in the region’s traditional architectural style.
In Kibithu, a small hamlet on the banks of the Lohit Valley, General Rawat served as the Colonel in charge of his Battalion 5/11 Gorkha Rifles from 1999 to 2000. During this time, he made a significant contribution to bolstering the security infrastructure of Kibithu.
“A majestic life-size mural of the General was also unveiled followed by an address by the Governor,” Army officials said.
The state’s chief minister also declared the 22-kilometer section of road between Walong and Kibithu to be known as GENERAL BIPIN RAWAT MARG.
