Mumbai: A 3,000-km-long cycle rally organised by the Assam Rifles as part of Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav, the government's initiative to mark 75 years of India's Independence, was flagged off on Sunday.
Director General Assam Rifles Lt Gen Pradeep Chandran Nair flagged off the Freedom Cycling Rally' between Shillong and New Delhi, an official said.
The rally commemorates 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture, achievements and also promotes the Fit India Movement, he said.
It will touch important places associated with India's freedom movement en-route. It also includes interactions with locals to include them in the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations' spirit.
Present at the launch at the Directorate General Assam Rifles headquarters at Laitkor, Shillong were Krishna Lahkar, a 94-year-old freedom fighter, Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum, Maha Vir Chakra awardee, Maj David Manlun, Kirti Chakra awardee and all ranks and families of the Laitkor garrison.
Read: 75 yrs of Independence: Rajasansi Air Force Station celebrates 'Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav'
Lt Gen Nair highlighted the role played by Assam Rifles towards peace and security in the North East. Assam Rifles, known as the Sentinels of the North East' is a force that binds the region, he added.
The nearly 55,000-strong Assam Rifles has been guarding India's 1,640-km long border with Myanmar and also parts of the Arunachal Pradesh border opposite China during the war under the operational control of the Indian Army.
The Assam Rifles, raised in 1835, also carries out counter-insurgency operations in militancy-infested states in the North-Eastern region.
Read: 'Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav': Javadekar inaugurates exhibition in Pune
PTI
