INDIAN ARMY FLAGS OFF MOTORCYCLE EXPEDITION FROM MIPI TO MESHAI IN HONOUR OF WALONG WAR HEROES

 INDIAN ARMY FLAGS OFF MOTORCYCLE EXPEDITION FROM MIPI TO MESHAI IN HONOUR OF WALONG WAR HEROES

Commemorating the Battle of Walong and paying tribute to the valiant soldiers, the Indian Army organized a motorcycle expedition from Mipi to Meshai on  62nd Anniversary of Walong Day. 

The expedition with participants from Armed Forces and enthusiasts from Arunachal was flagged off on 8th November 2024 by Major General VS Deshpande, General Officer Commanding, Dao Division along with Shri Mopi Mihu, MLA of Anini and  officials of the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh. 

The inauguration event included cultural events and a martial arts display. With two scheduled halts at Roing and Hayuliang, the biking expedition will culminate at the historic Walong War Memorial on 11th November 2024.

The Battle of Walong took place during the Sino-Indian War of 1962. It took place near the town of Walong in the eastern sector of the conflict, in the present-day Arunachal Pradesh region of India. 

Indian forces, despite being outnumbered and under equipped, resisted the Chinese advance for nearly a month.

The Motorcycle Expedition will honour the brave soldiers who fought for the nation during the 1962 conflict. During the challenging ride over the Mishmi Ranges and astride the pristine Dibang and Lohit Valley,  the participants will ride to commemorate the resoluteness of the people of Arunachal Pradesh who stood by their Armed Forces in War. 

The route, tracing a historic path through the beautiful landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, symbolizes the Indian Army's commitment to fostering unity and promoting adventure tourism in border areas.

 Each halt enroute will be an opportunity for the riders to connect with the local communities highlighting the strength, resilience and solidarity that define the spirit of the region and promoting national integration.

The closing ceremony at the Walong War Memorial on 11th November will be marked by a flagging-in ceremony, where the motorcyclists will pay homage to the brave-hearts of Walong. 

This initiative stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Battle of Walong and the Indian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s heritage, values and connecting  with the frontier villages of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Battle of Walong is remembered for the bravery of the Indian soldiers who fought against overwhelming odds.

The delaying action at Walong gave the Indian Army time to regroup further south, preventing a deeper Chinese advance into Indian territory.

The Sino-Indian War ended shortly after the Battle of Walong, with China declaring a unilateral ceasefire on 21 November 1962.

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