Pir Ki Gali , June 26: First of its kind, the motor car rally organized by the Tourism Department in collaboration with Himalyan Motor Sports Organization evoked enthusiasm among the people of this mountainous region. It was flagged off by the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, at about 7 am today and crossed Pir Ki galli at about 11.30 a.m.
The rally was received by Poonch district administration at Bafliaz from where the Mughal road takes off from the side. The competition started from Bafliaz and the last point for the race was fixed at Dobjan on the Shopian side of the historic route. The organizers had divided the rally in two categories. The racing category, termed as extreme, comprised 12 cars and it started first.
The national champions of Motor sports like Suny Sidhu, Suresh Rana and a female participant, Sachi Thakur, participated in the race. Though Sidhu of Chandigarh crossed Pir ki Gali ahead of others, Rana and Sachi Tahkur trailed because of technical fault which occurred in Chandi Marh area after only 10 km of distance. Despite this, Sachi Thakur tried her best to keep the pace.
The other category comprising 18 cars were put in the category of adventure. They followed the racing cars and were not allowed to overtake them.    
First of its kind in the Himalayan region, the rally was witnessed by a large numer of people from the roof tops of their houses along the Mughal raod. People had decorated the route with arches and buntings and cheered the rallyists. The Shopian administration organized another reception in Pir ki Gali area after 41 km from where the jurisdiction of the district begins. 
The Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, was scheduled to receive the rally at Pir ki Gali but had to change his programme due to other important engagements, officials said.
Talking to locals at Chandimarh after he came out from the race due to fault in his car, the motor sports champion, Suresh Rana, said they were given wrong impression in the media about Jammu and Kashmir but the situation was totally different. “We found the people very much loving and well-behaved. This is a beautiful area and I hope to drive on this road again”, he said.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 26 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST