KOHIMA, OCT 7 (AGENCIES): Nine Nagaland Police personnel have set out on a 2,845-km motorcycle journey to Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, carrying a message against drug abuse as part of the National Motorcycle Rally ahead of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on October 31, Hubnews report stated.
The contingent was flagged off from Police Headquarters in Kohima by Nagaland Director General of Police Rupin Sharma, IPS, at around 8:10 am on Wednesday.
Carrying the slogan “Break Free, Stay Drug-Free,” the riders will travel through seven states while spreading awareness against drug abuse and representing Nagaland at the national Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations.
The 21-day expedition will pass through Nagaland, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. The team is expected to cover around 2,845 km and reach Ekta Nagar on October 27 after 16 riding days. Rest and motorcycle maintenance halts have been planned along the route. Speaking at the flag-off, DGP Sharma stressed the importance of road safety and urged the riders to exercise caution throughout the journey. He also pointed out that the motorcycles being used for the expedition were newly procured.
Sharma said the rally would promote national unity while allowing police personnel from different parts of the country to interact and understand one another. The Northeast contingents are scheduled to converge at Guwahati on October 9 before proceeding towards Gujarat. They will later join motorcycle contingents from other regions. The Nagaland team is led by ABSI Asa Chietsotsu. The six riders are UBC Lezovotuo, UBC Kekhrievolie, UBC Rokosatuo, UBC Isilong Hau, Constable Agwasim Seb and UBC Libemo.
Constable-Driver Thunjanbemo and Constable-Mechanic Safdar Ali are accompanying the team for logistical and maintenance support.
Nagaland Police has procured five Royal Enfield 350cc motorcycles specifically for the expedition.
After reaching Ekta Nagar, the riders will take part in combined rehearsals and other activities before joining the main Rashtriya Ekta Diwas programme on October 31.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed annually on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to promote national unity and integrity.
