Tawang in festive gear yet again with Maitry Diwas

TAWANG, Dec 8: Tawang - one of the most happening places in the State - got into a festive groove once again with the two-day Maitry Diwas - an annual celebration of cordial relation between the Army and civilians.

The festival, which is being organized for the 6th year in a row, was today inaugurated by Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu in presence of Lt General K T Pranail, 4 Corps Core Commander Maj General Sanjeev Anand and host of Army and civilian officials.

Despite the chilling cold with an overcast day, a mammoth crowd assembled to participate in the celebration which showcased the bond between the Defence forces and the civil population. Apart from the different cuisines presented by the Army, the people were keen on the defence might which was displayed by the Army in the festival. The civil administration also came forward with their exhibitions to educate the people on different plans, policies and achievements of the Government.

Khandu said, “The Maitry Diwas speaks volumes of the brilliant relation between the Army, local administration and the civilians.”

Highlighting the supreme sacrifice made by the Indian Army in this region, Khandu expressed his willingness to extend all possible help to the Army. Construction of a public convenience for use of civilians and Army at historic Jaswant Garh was among few of his commitments.

Appreciating the noble service rendered by the Army in the service of ailing humanity through free medical camps in remote villages, the Chief Minister suggested the Army units to adopt villages on regular basis for the sake of the continuity of medical care to the poor villagers.

Lt. General Parnaik expressed happiness over the help being extended by the locals to the Army in border areas.

“We need to dream of a self-reliant, self-sufficient and dignified Arunachal for which we need to join hands,” the Lt. General emphasized.

Lumla MLA Jambey Tashi and Tawang MLA Tsewang Dhondhup were also present on the occasion, which was coordinated by YUVA Arunachal. Extravagant cultural displays by school children, Army personnel and traditional cultural troupes from various villages in the district were other highlights of the day. THE SENTINEL