GANGTOK,
January : Major General MS Rathore, the GOC of 17 Mountain Division, paid a
courtesy call on Governor Om Prakash Mathur at Raj Bhavan here on Thursday.
During
the meeting, the 17 Mountain Division GOCbriefed the Governor about ‘Bharat
Ranbhoomi Darshan’, a unique initiative of Government of India to promote
battlefield tourism across the country, a Raj Bhavan release informs.
Under
Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan, Nathu La Pass, Doka la and Chola Pass in Sikkim are
shortlisted.In 1967, Nathu La witnessed a major clash between Indian Army with
China and Doka La is another site of the 73-day stand-off between India and
China in 2017.
Praising
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Governor said: “Inclusion of Nathu La Pass,
Doka La and Chola Pass in the list of Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan programme is
only possible because of the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi which offers people of our country to explore historic battlegrounds while
learning about the valor of the Indian Army. It is a matter of pride for us”.
The
Governor also discussed about the development of Dichu village, first frontier
village close to Doka La Pass.
The
Governor recently visited DokaLa and stopped in Dichu village, where he spoke
with the locals. During the interaction, villagers shared their concerns and
needs with him. In this regard, the Governor directed the 17 Mountain Division
GOC to address their grievances and needs, the release mentions.
The
Indian Army, in association with the Ministry of Tourism, launched Bharat
Ranbhoomi Darshan, which opened up 77 battleground spots, including those in
Siachen, Kargil and Galwan. To honour the memory of the martyrs and create
greater awareness about the numerous sacrifices made by the valiant soldiers
over the course of the history, on January 15, Indian Army Day, the Defence
Minister of Defence launched the historic initiative, Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan.
The
Governor also assured that the Raj Bhavan will extend full support for the
implementation of ‘Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan’ programme in the State, the
release mentions.
