A six-day civil-military workshop concluded on a high note in East Siang district on Thursday. Held at the College of Agriculture under Central Agricultural University, Pasighat, the event brought together key stakeholders from both civil and military sectors to enhance disaster preparedness, regional development, and community resilience.
The workshop, a collaborative initiative between the Spearhead Gunners of Sigar Military Station and the East Siang District Administration, aligns with national directives issued by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Defence. Its primary aim was to foster effective partnerships that can be activated during natural disasters while simultaneously focusing on long-term development strategies.
The closing ceremony saw participation from several high-ranking officials, including Inspector General of Police (Central Range) Hibu Tamang, East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani, the Commander of the Spearhead Gunners, Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, SDPO Dr. Akanksha M. Tamgadge, SDO Sanjay Taram, and Group Captain Mohonto Panging (Retd.).
The event brought together over 58 participants, including department heads, professors from local universities, research scholars, and representatives of youth organisations. Notably, academic institutions like Arunachal Pradesh State University, Rashtriya Raksha University, and Jawaharlal Nehru College were actively involved in the sessions, promoting a holistic dialogue between military strategy and civil academia.
On the military front, representatives from Project Brahmank, 22 AP Battalion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), and East Siang Sainik School played an active role in shaping discussions around logistics, response coordination, and capacity building.
Speaking during the valedictory function, Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani emphasised the importance of civil-military synergy. “The roadmap developed during this initiative will strengthen disaster preparedness, promote tourism, and empower communities across the district,” she stated. She further appreciated the Indian Army’s commitment to local development through skill-building and training programs, particularly for the youth.
The workshop covered an extensive range of topics such as disaster response planning, humanitarian assistance, integrated rural development, and leveraging civil-military cooperation for tourism development. Sessions were structured to include mutual briefings, field visits, interactive discussions, and group brainstorming exercises. These activities led to the formulation of a joint action plan to serve as a blueprint for future collaborations.
One of the major highlights was the emphasis on understanding local socio-cultural dynamics, which is vital for effective communication and coordination during crisis situations. Military personnel were encouraged to engage with civil communities to build trust and develop region-specific response strategies.
In addition, field visits were organised to the Veteran Suvidha Kendra and the SeVaA Kendra (Spear Corps Empowering Veterans and Aspirants), both operated by the Indian Army. These centres are dedicated to supporting ex-servicemen and guiding aspiring youth through career counseling, welfare schemes, and training opportunities.
This civil-military workshop stands out as a model for other districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the wider northeastern region. With the state being highly susceptible to natural disasters such as landslides, floods, and earthquakes, the importance of coordinated emergency response cannot be overstated.
Inspector General Hibu Tamang praised the inclusive approach of the workshop and urged that such events be replicated at block and village levels for better grassroots preparedness. “Disaster management is a collective responsibility. Civil and military institutions must work hand-in-hand to ensure minimal loss and faster recovery,” he said.
Group Captain Mohonto Panging (Retd.), who has long championed veteran welfare, lauded the integration of veteran support systems within the broader civil-military collaboration framework.
