Eastern Army Commander flags off bike expedition

Kohima: Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen R P Kalita flagged off the ‘Kargil Vijay Ride’ of the 2nd Naga Regiment from Kohima to Kargil (K2) at the Assam Rifles garrison here on Sunday. The GOC-in-C of the Eastern Army Command said it is one of the first-ever motorcycle expedition from K2K being conducted to commemorate 25 years of Operation Vijay, which saw the brave Naga warriors enrich the soil of our northern borders with their blood while safeguarding the territorial integrity of our motherland.The 2nd Naga Regiment had valiantly fought and won the Kargil War, he said, adding that this is a great tribute to the supreme sacrifice and bravery of the valiant martyrs.Lt Gen Kalita said the riders will reach Kargil on the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas and wished the expedition a success.The expedition has 25 valiant Mashkoh (2 Naga Regiment) warriors led by Lt Col Saini on bikes who will traverse more than 3,700 km from Kohima to Kargil crossing through eight states and two union territories.The team has taken the task of collecting the soil from the villages of the fallen heroes of the Kargil War along the entire route and carrying them as a tribute to the Kargil War Memorial in Drass.Enroute to Kargil, the team will also interact with all sections of society highlighting the role of the Indian Army in nation-building, motivating youth and addressing the grievances of ex-servicemen and Veer Naris, said Lt Gen Kalita, who is also Colonel of the Kumaon, Naga Regiments and Kumaon Scouts.“This is also an attempt to connect the northeastern region with the rest of the nation and to spread awareness about the brave soldiers of Nagaland who fought in the Kargil war,” he said.The GoC-in-C also paid homage to the martyrs of the Kargil War and handed over the soil of the battlefield to the next of their kin at the flagging-off ceremony. PTI