Bangladesh Army team completes white-water rafting expedition in Arunachal Pradesh

KOLKATA: Tutored by experts from the Indian Army, a 10-member Bangladesh Army team had a unique experience in the extremely turbulent waters of a tributary of the River Siang or Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh recently. The team, under the watchful eyes of Indian instructors, covered 85 km over three days through the rapids of the Siyom River from Thumbin to Pangin in West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

"This was a joint white-water rafting expedition between two friendly armies. The Brahmaputra is of great importance for both countries. After passing through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in India it enters Bangladesh as the Jamuna. The river, being common to the hopes and aspirations of millions of citizens of both countries, the expedition heralds a new chapter of mutual understanding and co-operation between India and Bangladesh," a senior Indian Army officer said.

The Bangladeshis were new to this adventure sport when they arrived in India and underwent an eight-day training by instructors of the Army Aqua Nodal Centre in Along. "Encountering the numerous rapids during the expedition was the true christening of the team by fire," said Major Md Nazmus Sadat of the Bangladesh team.

The expedition was flagged-off by Lt Gen Bipin Rawat, GOC, 3 Corps from Thumbin and flagged-in at Pangin by Maj Gen Sunil Srivastav, GOC, 56 Infantry Division. During their 86 km journey, the teams made night halts at Kamba and Patum. Both teams had 10 Army personnel including two officers.

On Thursday, the teams interacted with Lt Gen MMS Rai, general officer commanding-in-chief, Eastern Command, in Kolkata. Congratulating the teams, the army commander spoke of strengthening ties between the two forces.

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