General Bipin Rawat, the first Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) who died in a helicopter crash in December last year, was honoured on Saturday by naming a military station after him in Kibithu, Arunachal Pradesh. A road leading to the station was also dedicated to him.
The military station in Kibithu was named after General Rawat as he had served there as a Colonel, officials said here. The military camp is important guarding the Line of Actual Control(LAC). Kibithu is a circle under Ajnaw district and is a small hamlet on the banks of the Lohit valley.
General Rawat commanded his Battalion 5/11 Gorkha Rifles as a Colonel at Kibithu from 1999-2000 and contributed immensely in strengthening the security structure of the area. His vision and foresight were instrumental in implementing the infrastructural development and social growth in the area which greatly benefitted the local populace, officials said.
His untimely demise left an irreplaceable void in the country. To honour his selfless service, a solemn dedication ceremony was held at Kibithu on Saturday at the behest of the State Government.
The event was graced by Governor Brigadier(retired)B D Mishra, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Eastern Command chief Lt General R P Kalita, General Rawat’s daughters Kritika and Tarini besides civil and military dignitaries.
During the ceremony, Kibithu Military Camp was renamed as General Bipin Rawat Military Garrison wherein a grand gate built in local traditional architectural style was inaugurated by the Governor. The 22 Kms road stretch from Walong to Kibithu was dedicated as General Bipin Rawat Marg by the chief minister.
A majestic life size mural of the General was also unveiled.The event was witnessed by citizens of Kibithu and Walong. The dedication ceremony has further synergized Civil – Military relations and is a befitting tribute to the first CDS