Kohima: A 13-day, National Integration Tour (NIT), conducted by the Assam Rifles in Manipur for 26 students, including, 14 boys and 12 girls, from Tengnoupal district, was flagged in by Maj Gen Vijay Jotwani, Chief of Staff, HQ Spear Corps, at Rangapahar Military Station on Friday on its successful completion.
The students visited various places of interest in New Delhi and Dehradun.
The tour commenced on 10 February from Pallel and went through Kohima War Cemetery, where they paid homage to the fallen soldiers. On reaching Delhi, participants visited Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, National War Memorial, Chandni Chowk, Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar and the National Modern Art Gallery and experienced the metropolitan culture while visiting the first underground market, Palika Bazaar and Connaught Place.
The tour had the unique experience of visiting the National Security Guards (NSG), known as the Black Cat Commandos, wherein they interacted with the Commandant, Shri Sudipto Das, IPS who motivated the students. The participants witnessed an Impressive Dog show and a weapon display.
At Dehradun, the students were taken to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), the premier training institute for the Indian Army. The students interacted with Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, SM, Commandant, IMA who inspired them to join the Indian Army as officers. The students witnessed the state-of-the-art training being imparted to the gentlemen cadets by visiting the firing range, swimming pool and other locations.
The tour had the unique opportunity of interacting with the Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd), who advised the students to ‘Dream Big in Life’ and work towards achieving the same.
This tour provided a never-before experience of life in a cosmopolitan town to these students from remote areas and served as a platform to share insights, experiences, and ideas aimed at furthering the objectives of national integration and harmony. Maj Gen Vijay Jotwani COS, HQs Spear Corps, commended the Assam Rifles team for their dedication and commitment to fostering goodwill and unity across regions.
The conduct of the National Integration Tour reaffirmed the unwavering resolve of the Indian Army to continue contributing towards nation-building and fostering peace in the region.
