Public
Relations Officer Phone : 202756 (O )
Fax: 202756
Raj
Bhavan
Gangtok, Sikkim
PRESS RELEASE
No. SKM/GOV/PRO/1523/12 Dated:
28th May, 2012
The Indian Army today
at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, made a presentation of two majestic 5.5 inch
guns to the Raj Bhavan, Gangtok. These guns were manufactured in the United
Kingdom and are of vintage 1941-45. They were used by more than a dozen
countries including the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Canada, Iraq, India
and Pakistan. These guns were employed during World War-II, the Korean war and
many other conflicts. Weighing over 6000 kgs, the gun fired 45 kg shell over 16
kms at the rate of 2 shells per minute.
These guns were released
after a series of approvals at various levels, with final sanction being given
by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, on behalf of H.E. the President of India. This
was made possible, only due to the keen interest shown by H.E. the Governor of
Sikkim, Shri Balmiki Prasad Singh, the diligence of 17 Mountain Division and
the support and guidance provided by GOC 33 Corps, Lt. General K. Surendranath,
AVSM,SM,VSM.
The ceremony was
addressed by H.E. the Governor of Sikkim and by the GOC 33 Corps, Lt. General
K. Surendranath, AVSM,SM,VSM. It was attended by a host of dignitaries, which
included the Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Shri K.T. Gyaltsen, the
Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court Shri Permod Kohli, members of the State
Council of Ministers, MP- Lok Sabha, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief
Secretary, DGP, Secretaries , besides others.
H.E. the Governor, in
his address, thanked the Defence Minister and the Army Chief for this gift of
the two guns which would now form an integral part of the Raj Bhavan complex.
He also dwelt on the history of civil-military relations in the State which has
always been marked by cordiality and mutual trust. He commended the Army
Commander and his jawans for the swift response in undertaking relief and
rescue measures and other assistance to the State during the aftermath of 18th
September, 2011 earthquake in the State.
The Governor took this
opportunity to mention about two of his ideas which would go, a long way in cementing
further the ties between the military and civil authorities in the State.
First, he wanted the Eastern Air Command, which is located at Shillong should
consider to set up a small base at Pakyong. This would help urgent requirements
of the State in natural emergencies of this State which is located in a seismic
belt. It may be recalled that an airport at Pakyong near Gangtok is under construction.
Second, Sikkim is one of the few States left in the country where there is no
Sainik school. He wanted that a Sainik school should be set up by the Ministry
of Defence. Towards this, he also suggested that this could be an integral part
of the Ranipool-Pakyong stretch where Naya
Gangtok is going to emerge. He mentioned that his vision of Naya Gangtok is well known to the State
Government and they have also taken some initial measures in this behalf.
The Event further
included, unveiling of the presentation plates on the guns by His Excellency. A
scroll to commemorate the occasion was presented by the Army to His Excellency.
The ceremony concluded,
with tea at the Raj Bhavan.
PRO
to Governor
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