Dras (Kargil): To commemorate the 22nd Kargil Vijay Diwas the Indian Army undertook two mega bike rallies, one from Udhampur and another from Leh, both traversing more than 1000 kilometers over mountains of Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, converging at the historic Kargil War Memorial in Dras on 23 July, said a defence spokesperson.
“One Bike Rally was flagged off by Lt Gen PGK Menon, General Officer Commanding ‘Fire and Fury Corps’ on 19 July from Leh. 15 riders traversed a total distance of 1000 kilometers through harsh and rugged terrain of Ladakh and finally reached Dras on 23rd July, led by Lt Gen PGK Menon himself,” the spokesperson said.
“In the same spirit, another Bike Rally titled ‘Dhruva Kargil Ride’ was organized under the aegis of the Northern Command of Army. A total of 40 Bikers drove across the Valley of Kashmir and Ladakh from Udhampur to Dras. The Bike Rally was personally led by Lt Gen YK Joshi, General Officer Commanding in Chief of Northern Command from Udhampur till Dras traversing a total distance of 350 kilometers,” he said.
The spokesperson further said: “It is pertinent to note that Lt Gen YK Joshi is himself a War Hero and Gallantry Awardee of Operation VIJAY (Kargil War). Senior military generals including Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, General Officer Commanding of ‘White Knight Corps’, Lt Gen PGK Menon, General Officer Commanding of ‘Fire and Fury Corps’ and Lt Gen DP Pandey, General Officer Commanding of ‘Chinar Corps’ of the Army were themselves riding Bikes as part of the Rally.”
“Both the Bike Rallies were flagged in at Kargil War Memorial, Dras on 23 July. The bike rallies were a tribute to the Bravehearts of Kargil War who gave their today for our tomorrow,” he added.
