Salutes sacrifice of Parl attack martyrs
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Sept 23: Director General (DG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), GP Singh, today said the force stands firmly with the people of Kashmir in every situation.
Addressing a gathering before flagging off the third edition of the Yashasvini High-Altitude CRPF Bike Expedition 2025 from Lal Chowk, Singh said the CRPF will always be there whenever people need them.
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“Being here in the historic land of Kashmir fills me with joy and pride. I want to assure the people of Kashmir that in happiness or sorrow, the CRPF stands with you. Whenever you need us, the CRPF will always be there,” he said.
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Singh also paid homage to the martyrs of the 2001 Parliament attack, saluting their sacrifice and honouring those awarded the Ashoka Chakra, the nation’s highest gallantry award, especially CRPF’s Kamlesh Kumari.
He then flagged off the all-women Yashasvini High-Altitude Bike Expedition comprising of 36 bikers, in which riders will undertake a seven-day, 1,400-km journey from Lal Chowk to Pangong Tso and back via Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes.
Commending the participants, Singh said they embody courage and determination, calling them “torchbearers of the CRPF” who deserve special recognition.
The DG noted that the riders will face extreme conditions, including altitudes of 18,000 feet and sub-zero temperatures, making the journey a true test of endurance.
“Despite these challenges, the team is moving forward, and I wish them success,” he said.
Highlighting the symbolic significance of the initiative, Singh said the expedition reflects the CRPF’s contribution to internal security over the past six decades.
“Flagging it off from Kashmir’s historic Lal Chowk is a matter of pride and honour,” he remarked.
He also thanked locals for their presence and encouragement, saying their support strengthens the force’s resolve to serve and protect.
On the occasion, DG also interacted with the Veer Naris as well as the family members of those who lost their lives for the nation, assuring every help.
“At Lal Chowk, Srinagar, during the launch of the #YashasviniCRPF High Altitude Bike Expedition, DG #CRPF @gpsinghips honoured the Veer Naris and the families of the martyrs who were specially invited. DG interacted with the Veer Naris and family members of the martyrs informally and assured them all kinds of help,” CRPF wrote on ‘X’.
The Yashasvini expedition is the third in the Mahila Bike Expedition series, launched to instil pride and test physical and mental resilience.
The first edition was held in March 2023 from Delhi to Jagdalpur, while the second, in September 2023, covered Srinagar, Shillong, Kanyakumari and Kevadia.
Meanwhile, on their way to Kargil, the first stopover, the women bikers were given a warm welcome near Manigam in Ganderbal.
One of the participants, Seema Nath, said the team will ride to Pangong Tso and return to Lal Chowk, adding that the expedition is aimed at sending out the message that women are no less than anyone.
Another participant, Sheikh Kajal Ilahi from Maharashtra, said: “People should take inspiration from us. We have worked hard for this. It will be difficult, but we are determined to complete it.”
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