: Indias eastern-most military garrison of Kibithu named after Gen Bipin Rawat #IndiaNEWS #National Kibithu (Arunachal Pradesh): The strategically key Kibithu military garrison on the banks of Lohit

Indias eastern-most military garrison of Kibithu named after Gen Bipin Rawat #IndiaNEWS #National
Kibithu (Arunachal Pradesh): The strategically key Kibithu military garrison on the banks of Lohit Valley along the Line of Actual Control and a key road in this mountain hamlet were Saturday named after Indias first Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, around nine months after he died in a helicopter crash.
As a young Colonel, Rawat commanded his Battalion 5/11 Gorkha Rifles at Kibithu from 1999-2000 and contributed immensely to strengthening the security structure in the area.
The military garrison looks after the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sensitive sector. Chinese Peoples Liberation Armys Rima post is just opposite the Indian garrison.
Nestled in the mountainous and arduous terrain of the Lohit Valley, Kibithu is located near the LAC and is the eastern-most military garrison of India.
The small hamlet is inhabited by Meyor and Jarkin tribes.
Lack of surface connectivity with the nearest road head at Meshai precluded movement to Kibithu which was air maintained till as late as 1997. A foot suspension bridge (FSB 17) was the sole link to the eastern bank of the Lohit River.
The garrison and the 22 km-long road stretch from Walong to Kibithu were named after Gen Rawat at a ceremony attended by Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Brigadier (retd) BD Mishra, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita and Gen Rawats daughter Tarini.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Khandu announced a financial package of Rs 10 crore to make the garrison one of the best military stations in forward locations.
Governor Mishra said Gen Rawats contributions to strengthening the countrys defence structures are unparalleled.
The Kibithu military camp was renamed Gen Bipin Rawat Military Garrison wherein a grand gate built in local traditional architectural style was inaugurated by the governor.
The 22 km road stretch from Walong to Kibithu was dedicated as Gen Bipin Rawat Marg by Chief Minister Khandu.
A majestic life-size mural of Gen Rawat was also unveiled.
Gen Rawat was killed in a helicopter crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on December 8 last year along with his wife Madhulika and 12 armed forces personnel.
Bad weather leading to a phenomenon called Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) was identified as the prime reason for the crash of the IAF helicopter.
Rawat was posthumously conferred Indias second-highest civilian honour Padma Vibhushan early this year.
The Army said Gen Rawats vision and foresight were instrumental in implementing the infrastructural development and ensuring societal progress in the area.
Gen Bipin Rawats untimely demise in December 2021 left an irreplaceable void in the country, the Army said.