Army flags off cycle expedition in remembrance of Kashmir floods

The Indian army organised a cycle expedition in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday to commemorate joint efforts of army and locals in saving lives during devastating floods in the state last year.

The cycle expedition 'Sailab se Salamati' or 'Flood to wellbeing' was flagged off by General Officer Commanding of Indian Army's Chinar corps, Lieutenant General Subrata Saha.

The expedition en route to Delhi is aimed at spreading a positive message and highlighting the grit with which people survived the worst ever flood in the country's history.

"We have recovered from the flood situation that had affected Kashmir. I want to convey the message through this expedition to people of Delhi and Jammu, Srinagar that we have recovered from the worst situation. We have faced huge loss too," said a participant, Sayeed Nawid.

Hundreds of people were killed and thousands of villages devastated by the worst flooding in decades in the Kashmir valley last year. Roads in Srinagar were transformed into stagnant canals strewn with wreckage, trash and dead animals.

The army spent almost three months to select participants for the expedition. A felicitation ceremony was also held by the Chinar Corps to honor the efforts by people and army officials during floods during rescue, relief and restoration.

"This mission of course as I said is to convey the message of Kashmir's well being to the nation," said Saha.

These youths participants would also participate in the annual cultural festival 'Mecca' in a college in New Delhi.