Srinagar, July 4: 29 Rashtriya Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters 10 Sector Rashtriya Rifles / Kilo Force has organized a tour for the Sarpanchs, Panchs and elders from Pattan Tehsil. The tour aptly titled “Mascots of Peace” will be visiting Kullu, Manali and Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh over duration of 11 days.
 In a colourful and well attended Flagging Off Ceremony, Minster of Agriculture Ghulam Hassan Mir and Brig AK Tyagi, Commander 10 Sector Rashtriya Rifles, flagged off the group of 25 citizens from Govt Degree College ground at Pattan. Speaking with the locals, Col Prashant Pande, Commanding Officer 29 Rashtriya Rifles, informed that the members of the tour will also interact with Noble prize recipient, Dalai Lama, during their stay in Dharamshala. 
 "A number of visits to historical places and places of tourist interest have been planned in the itinerary including an exposure to adventure sports in Manali. The tour has fructified as a result of requests from the locals during their Awami Mulaqat with senior officers of Army to provide an opportunity to elder citizens also to visit outside the state," a statement said.
 Earlier during the day, the Agriculture Minister appreciated the efforts of Army during his address to the gathering and exhorted the tour members to carry the message of peace on behalf of the people of valley to those outside the state. Present among the other dignitaries during the ceremony were Tehsildar Pattan and Principal Degree College Pattan.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 4 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
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