Guwahati: As part of the month-long series of commemorative events marking the 62nd Walong Day, the Indian Army in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh government has organised a cycling expedition from the frontier state’s Namsai to Namti.
The three-day cycling expedition to honour the Walong heroes was flagged off on Monday by Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein.
Guwahati-based Defence PRO Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said a total of 62 cyclists will cycle their way through the picturesque landscape of Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit Valley during the expedition.
The journey - that started from the Golden Pagoda in Namsai district - will cover the holy site of Parshuram Kund Wakro and vibrant village of Hayuliang, finally finishing at Namti - also known as the ‘Tiger’s Mouth,’ a site of historic significance where troops of the Indian Army stalled the adversary’s offensive during the Battle of Walong, he added.
The cyclists comprise enthusiasts from the Indian Army, including women officers, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), youth and young women of Arunachal Pradesh, and two cyclists from Maharashtra’s Pune, he said.
The participants will have an opportunity to pay homage to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation, he added.
During the course of their journey, the cyclists will interact with the local populace while enjoying the mesmerising beauty of the Lohit Valley, he said.
The Indian Army reiterated its commitment to place Lohit Valley on the tourism map of India and empower the local youth to facilitate necessary infrastructure and skills, Lt Col Rawat further said.
“Together, let us pedal towards a healthier and more vibrant future while honouring the legacy of our brave soldiers.”
