Dimapur, Nov. 15 (EMN): Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio, today flagged off the Assam Rifles Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Unity and Heritage tri-nation motorcycle expedition at 32 Assam Rifles HQs ground, Dimapur.
Delivering his address at the function, Rio said that peace is not only the absence of conflict, but maintaining harmony amongst the communities. He has lauded the organisers of the tri-nation tour to bring unity and foster peace and harmony in the region particularly the North eastern states saying it has sent a very good message.
While rueing that most areas in the region were declared “disturbed” with the imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the MP stated that, of late, things are getting better. He said the armed forces have now come to realise their social responsibility not only during conflict but also in guarding and maintaining law and order and in fostering peace.
“We hope this conducive atmosphere will continue and that the Naga political issue will be solved soon so that we will have real peace in the land,” Rio said.
Lauding the Assam Rifles for doing a commendable job, the chief guest congratulated the motorcycle expedition for its success in covering about 1800 kms out of a total of 2150 kms and hoped that the Assam Rifles will continue to propagate peace, unity and harmony amongst the people.
Giving a brief report about the expedition, the team leader, Col. Pratyush Kumar Singh Gaur, Commandant of 46 Assam Rifles, Aizawl, informed that the team consists of 33 personnel selected from various units of the Assam Rifles. He stated that the response from all the places they visited was “encouraging” especially the ex-servicemen and war widows. He recalled their meeting with the war veterans in Bangladesh, besides participating in social activities with the NCC cadets, youth and students in various states.
“We are hopeful that we have been able to convey the theme of our expedition to them – that is unity and pride in our national heritage,” Col Gaur stated.
It may be mentioned that the Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Unity & Heritage Motorcycle expedition across 6 (six) Northeastern States of India, Myanmar, Bangladesh is a tri-nation expedition covering a distance of 2150 kms on motorcycles. It aimed at spreading the message of peace and unity, national integration in India besides enhancing cultural and social awareness and to reach-out to Ex-Servicemen, and war widows of the Northeastern states.
It was flagged off on October 30 from Shillong by the Meghalaya Governor, Ganga Prasad and Lt. Gen. Shokin Chauhan, DGAR.
The expedition was conceptualised by the Assam Rifles to commemorate the 142nd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, popularly known as the “Iron Man of India” for his totally uncompromising commitment to national integration. He is also called the “Unifier of India.”
Upon their arrival, the chief guest was introduced to the members of the expedition. The motorcyclists would proceed to Guwahati from where they would further proceed to Haflong, Silchar and finally culminate at Shillong on November 22.
