Army starts unification trek in Palpa

By Rekhi Ram Rana,Palpa, Apr. 18: A unification trekking unit of Nepali Army has started trekking to historical forts of Palpa with the message of protection of historical sites and national unity.  Nepali Army's the Mahendra Famous Dal Battalion of Palpa informed that the unit had trekked to forts in Bakumgadi, Mathagadi, Tansen, Nuwakot and Geetgadi. 

The trekking unit which arrived in Palpa on April 28 via Gorkha, Tanahun was welcomed by local residents and peoples' representatives at Keladi Ghat on the border of Palpa and Syangja.  Tanka Nath Khanal, head of District Coordination Committee Palpa, said that the trek would support to draw the attention of the stakeholders for the preservation of the historical sites.

Similarly, Brigadier General of Nepal Army Lalit Bahadur Kunwar, said the Nepali Army and the people had a strong relationship since the past and the trek would keep it alive. 

He said that all Nepalese including Nepali Army had a great contribution to the unification of Nepal and in winning the Anglo-Nepal war. 

Bandhu Prasad Bastola, chief district officer of Palpa, said that the trek would assist in promoting historical importance of Palpa and its surroundings.  People’s representatives, locals and public had accompanied the trekking unit led by Kin Pradhan, Major of the Mahendra Famous Dal Battalion.  Battalion commander Bal Mukunda Bista informed that the unit would hand over the flag of the trek on April 20 in Butwal. 

He said that the unit would trek a distance of 161 kilometres.

He said that in the past the Nepali Army only used to trek to east from Gorkha. But, this year the unit started trekking to the west from Gorkha.