City riders defy weather, visit IB to express gratitude to BSF personnel

SHILLONG: While many choose to be in the city to celebrate the 73rd Independence Day, there were few, 12 to be specific, who rode to the International Border at Dawki braving the inclement weather just to greet the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel posted there for their untiring service to the nation.
Hailing from various professions and religious backgrounds but united by their passion for riding, the ride was sponsored by VIVO mobile and UNN news agency.
The event was flagged off by a prominent social activist Bimal Bajaj from RB Anoopchand Secondary School as the children shouted patriotic slogans while riders set for their over-80-kilometre voyage.
The first leg of the ride was smooth until they reached Pynursla as rain and thick fog engulfed the road reducing visibility to a minimum.
“This weather is nothing when compared to the years of toil and service our soldiers put up at the International Border to keep us safe,” said one of the RX 135 rider Mark Syiem as they were taking a breather by the side of the road.
Drenched to the feet, yet another RX 100 rider, Ebormi Rangad, said, “The fog and rain. Well, yes it is making things difficult but we wanted to do something meaningful this Independence Day and so we decided come what may, we will ride up to the International Border and thank our soldiers”.
Commandant, BSF 30 Batallion, SR Khan eagerly awaited the arrival of the riders from Shillong as heavy rain delayed the process.
“I really appreciate their love for the country and their enthusiasm in getting here to thanks our personnel despite the distance and the foul weather,” said Khan. “Such initiatives work as morale booster for our force,” he added.
Though late from the schedule, nonetheless, the riders reached the Dawki Border Outpost and then headed on towards the International Check Post (ICP) also known as zero line and thanked the BSF personnel posted there for their service.
Meanwhile, the group also interacted with soldiers of the Border Guarding Force (BGB) and thanked them for being supportive and a friendly neighbour.
“We took it upon ourselves to show our gratitude and respect towards the border guarding force. We want to tell them we care and appreciate their service towards the nation,” said Denzil.