No other has attempted such a venture in the mysterious hilly region, dotted with lovely people of different ethnicity and colour with different political hues.
Under the banner “Breaking Stereotype and Redefining North-East”, Nirmali Nath from Assam, Rosalynn Lushai from Mizoram, and Onen Nenty from Nagaland will be covering about 2500 km when they complete the journey. The three girls managed to enter Manipur despite a bandh by the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur on Wednesday and reached Imphal with support from security personnel and were escorted by enthusiastic riders of Manipur.
After a series of interactions and felicitations by various organisations including Manipur Tourism forum at Hotel Classic Grande the team left Imphal Thursday for Nagaland. So far, the team did not face any technical problem or break down during the tour and the girls can handle some problems on their own.
By helping each other the team can change a tyre, repair minor problems.
Nirmali said if there is any problem there is always ‘Youtube’. Onen Nenty said she saw amazing women like Mary Kom, Bala the first woman from the country to sign an international contract in a European club, the women IRB personnel of Nagaland and wanted to do something unique so that people will recognise the spirit and the strength of Naga women.
Rosalynn Lushai said she had been driving for the past ten years and they all plan to continue touring the nation and the whole world. They are also planning a tour to South East Asian countries provided the situation in Myanmar stabilises. They had already toured the nation and there is no stopping for the trio as the support and love are so overwhelming while touring the northeast. Everybody is extending a helping hand in repairing the bikes and during the journey, they found such a large number of people coming out to greet them. The tour became so popular that everybody seemed to look forward to welcoming them and encouraging them.
Their passion and determination were so strong that their family members had to support the venture. They broke the stereotype of women being confined to homes and burying all dreams in their mind.
Inspite of some states having bad roads, dangerous curve the trio managed to reach the destination overcoming all obstacles. Onen Nenty a brand Ambassador of Nagaland Tourism and a musician had already visited Manipur to give a musical performance. The other two bikers had also toured the state to see the magical Loktak lake and other beautiful places.
They were also looking for other women bikers during the journey and exchanged numbers so that they can plan a major venture in future.
Starting April 3 from Assam they drove from Guwahati to Shillong and towards Jowai and Silchar. The second day was dedicated to a long route from Silchar to Agartala, Tripura via Karimganj, Pecharthal, Kumarghat, Manu, Ambassa, Teliamura.
On day three they drove towards Aizawl via Khowai, Kumarghat, Panisagar, Zawlpui, Tuidam, Rawpuichhip which was challenging. They said the support extended by Aizawl Thunders , an Aizawl Bullet Club and Biker girls Mizoram made them forget the hard journey.
On day four they proceeded towards the Manipur border passing through Kolashib, Vairengte, Sonai, Lakhipur. Roads were very good with some bad patches before reaching Kolasib.
On day five they proceeded towards Imphal passing through Sibilong, Nungba, Khoupum valley, Bishnupur, Nambol, Imphal. They stopped for a picture at the India Peace Museum, Maibam Lotpa Ching, the war memorial of the Japanese troops who died during WW II in Manipur. The Jiribam to Imphal road is a challenging road and riders from all parts of the state including people from Moreh, a border town came to meet them. People gave them eatables, drinks during the entire stretch. As they rested, members of Royal Riders Manipur serviced their bikes.
They will conclude the tour after visiting Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh at Kaziranga National Park on day seven on April 9. Nobody can stop the spirit of the three, their passion young girls as they let their dreams fly, fulfilling and giving hope to all other women. As the trio reached the Kaziranga National park history will be created, signalling the rise of women, heralding the success of women.
