Indo Myanmar car rally team leave Imphal for Myanmar

Imphal, Dec 12 (UNI) The Indo-Myanmar Car Rally sponsored by the Indian Army was flagged off today at Khuman Lampak, Imphal by Brigadier NS Bawa, Officiating GOC of Red Shield Division.

The team after resting at Dimapur had arrived at Manipur yesterday. When the team arrived yesterday at the Mao gate it was welcomed by troops and a reception ceremony held at Senapati Public ground.

It went on surroundings of the Senapati District on the NH-39.

NH-39 has the towering Oinam and Marup Range dwarfing it and the Manipur river running along side it the PRO of PIB(DW) said.

The rally raced through the border town of Mao amidst the cheers of students and the local onlookers who were thoroughly enticed to witness the Ambassadors of the nations in their brightly decorated Scorpios, Boleros and Traveras.

The men and the machines took a break at Senapati where Brig Raman Dhawan, Commander 59 Mountain Brigade on behalf of the Red Shield Division gave them a warm welcome at the football stadium or Senapati town.

Banners of ''Welcome Indo-Myanmar Car Rally'' and ''Long Live Indo-Myanmar Friendship'' which dotted the Senapati stadium and which were also strung along the NH-39 added to the festivity. The participants were presented with flowers and garlands.

The team will move ahead towards Moreh the Indo Myanmar border today and proceed towards Myanmar. The PRO said the event will go a long way in cementing friendly ties between the Army of India and Myanmar and also giving them a unique opportunity to explore the culture and meet, the people of both the countries.

Defence Minister AK Antony had flagged off the rally on December 5 from New Delhi.

UNI NS BA/src1106