GUWAHATI: The Border Security Force (BSF), Guwahati Frontier, on Sunday organized a Half-Marathon (21 Km) and Run for Unity (5 Km) at Veterinary College, Khanapara, Guwahati (Assam) to pay homage to BSF Martyrs of Assam and felicitate their families.
Shynsharlang Wahlang of Mawkyrwat, West Khasi Hill District, Meghalaya secured the first position in the men category of the half marathon by clocking 01 hour 07 minutes
The motto of this Marathon was “Run for Martyrs” in addition to observing Police Shaheed Divas on 21st Oct 2017. This Half-Marathon was organised to commemorate valiant deeds and supreme sacrifices made by Seema Prahari in the service of the nation since raising of Border Security Force.
Since its inception, BSF has lost 1850 Gallant Seema Praharis who have laid their lives in their service to nation not only during war and border guarding but also in the hinterland while accomplishing assigned tasks of insurgency, law & order, Left Wing extremism and natural disasters. Out of these, 60 martyrs belong to the State of Assam. BSF martyrs of Assam have been awarded with eight “President Police Medal for Gallantry”, one “Police Medal for Gallantry” and one “Balidan Prateek” for their valiant actions and self-sacrifices.
R S Mooshahary, former Governor and former Director General of Border Security Force, graced the event as a chief guest and distributed the prizes to the winners of the event. He appreciated the initiative of BSF for organising this event for paying homage to martyrs and said that this event would certainly strengthen the rapport with people of Assam. The families of Assam martyrs were also felicitated by presenting a shawl by him. He lauded the services of BSF personnel who are deployed on border in interior and harshest environment to provide safety and security to the people from any threat emanating from outside.
People from every nook and corner of the state participated in this BSF Half-Marathon (21 Km) which was flagged off from Ground of Veterinary College, Khanapara, Guwahati at 0545 hours by families of martyrs. Moreover, the Run-for-Unity (5 Km) which was also flagged off from same venue at 0700 hours, witnessed a large number of people from all age groups who have come to give a true tribute to martyrs. As per estimate, approximately 4000 people participated in both the races on Sunday.
In the Men Category of BSF Half-Marathon race, Shynsharlang Wahlang of Mawkyrwat, West Khasi Hill District, Meghalaya secured the first position by clocking 01 hour 07 minutes and won I Konwar DC Trophy along with cash prize of Rs 15,000. Rajendra Kumar Bind of Allahabad secured second position by clocking 01 hour 10 minutes and won Pramod Chand Kalita Trophy along with cash prize of Rs 10,000. In the Women Category of the Half-Marathon race, Ms Mantobara Ahmed of Assam secured first position by clocking 01 hour 38 minutes and won Adit Kumar Das trophy along with cash prize of Rs 15,000 and Ms Sarojabanu Khatun of Assam secured second position by clocking 01 hour 41 minutes and won Ct Paresh Rabha Trophy along with cash prize of Rs 10,000.
The BSF also distributed cash reward amounting to Rs 1,07,000 and the certificates for participation amongst winners under 30 different categories of men and women. Moreover, BSF also felicitated two senior most citizens for their participation in the Half-Marathon.
Rakesh Aggarwal, Inspector General of BSF Guwahati Frontier, stated that the objective behind organising this Half Marathon was to bring forth the sacrifices of BSF soldiers before general masses, felicitate the families of martyrs and inspire amongst the young generation a spirit of nationalism and patriotism. This run was also aimed to acknowledge the sacrifice and contribution made by BSF personnel particularly from North-Eastern Region.