Shillong: Thirty Assam Rifles troopers on Sunday set off from Shillong on bicycles and will reach Rajghat in New Delhi, the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, on October 2, Mahatma Gandhi’s Jayanti after covering 3000 Kms across the country.
The ‘Freedom Cycling Rally’ is part of the commemoration of the 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture, achievements under the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations and also to promotes the “Fit India Movement”.
The Cycle Rally which started its journey today from the headquarters of Assam Rifles in Shillong, plans to touch important places associated with India’s freedom movement en-route.
Director General Assam Rifles, Lt Gen PC Nair, who flagged off the rally, highlighted the role played by the Assam Rifles towards peace and security in the North East.
He said that through its various Civic Action Programmes, the Assam Rifles plays an important role towards development in the region.
“Assam Rifles like the rest of the country has engulfed itself in the celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,” Nair said.
The programme was attended by Shri Krishna Lahkar the 94 year old freedom fighter, NOKs of the freedom fighters, Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum, MVC, Maj David Manlun, KC and all ranks & families of the Laitkor Garrison.
As part of the flagging of ceremony celebrations, a Pipe Band Display was carried out by the Assam Rifles Pipe Band, which played patriotic tunes to raise the enthusiasm and fervour amongst the participants.
As a mark of remembrance of the saga of bravery and sacrifice of our struggle for independence, the freedom fighters and their NOKs were also felicitated by the Assam Rifles Chief.
The Assam Rifles popularly known as the ‘Sentinels of the North East’ has committed itself towards peace and development of the North East. It has carried out numerous activities like such Cycle rallies in the past.
“This not only brings cohesiveness in the region but also plays a pivotal role towards Nation Building and Unity, thereby making it a “Force that Binds the North East”, an Assam Rifles official said.
