Agartala, Oct 8: Tripura Police on Thursday flagged off a motorcycle rally that will cover 2,800 km to Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, carrying a message against drug abuse among communities and youth as part of the observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
Flagging off the rally in Agartala, Tripura DGP GS Rao said the motorcycle rally was being organised under the Ministry of Home Affairs as part of the national-level Rashtriya Ekta Diwas programme.
He said police teams from states, Union Territories and central police forces participate in such programmes at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on October 31, and Tripura Police was sending its motorcycle contingent to the venue.
“This year, the theme of our bike rally is fight against drugs,” Rao said.
He said the riders would interact with communities and young people along the route and use the journey to create greater awareness about the dangers of drugs and encourage the youth to join the fight against drug abuse.
“The main objective of the rally is to increase awareness about drugs and encourage the youth to fight against drugs. It is being organised for the future of the country’s youth and for a drug-free India,” the DGP said.
Rao said the Tripura contingent would travel about 2,800 km to Ekta Nagar. The national-level programmes at Ekta Nagar bring together participants from different states and central police forces to convey the message of national unity and integrity.
The DGP also said Tripura Police had begun preparations for security arrangements for the forthcoming Durga Puja, the state’s biggest festival.
He said the force was preparing the required manpower and additional vehicles, CCTV cameras and other equipment to ensure adequate security during the festivities.
“Every year we know when Puja comes, so timely we make the security arrangements. This time also, as every year, we are making arrangements so that all citizens can celebrate Puja happily and peacefully,” Rao said.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed every year on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and reaffirm the country’s commitment to preserving its unity, integrity and security. The Ministry of Home Affairs formally declared October 31 as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in 2014; Patel is widely credited with playing a pivotal role in the political and administrative integration of India after Independence.
