Army trekking team covers 140-km adventurous expedition in J-K

An Army trekking team Tuesday successfully completed 140-km adventurous expedition from Kishtwar to Kargil in Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said.

The team, comprising an officer and 14 other ranks, had set off from Inshan in the Waran valley of Kishtwar district of Jammu region to Tesuru in the Suru valley of Kargil district in Ladakh last month, he said.

"After covering a distance of about 140 kms, the team was flagged-in at Dharmund by General Officer Commanding, counter insurgency force (Delta), in a grand ceremony on successful completion of the adventurous expedition," the spokesman said.

He said such expeditions are regularly organised by the Army as part of adventure activities to foster tenacity and love for the outdoors.

"It also tests endurance and physical fitness of soldiers, with the overall aim of imbibing team spirit, comradeship and esprit de corps," the spokesman said.

He said the initiative of the Army to conduct this unique adventure patrol was also aimed at paying tribute to the historical legacy of Kishtwar district.

As a mark of respect and tribute to the legendary Dogra warrior Gen Zorawar Singh, the Army retraced the steps of the intrepid general and his exploits with his Army, who led six breath-taking campaigns from Kishtwar region across the great Himalayas to conquer Baltistan and Ladakh 184 years ago, a feat unmatched even till this day, the spokesman said.