A 25 days long Joint Trekking Expedition of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and 192 Field Regiment of Indian Army was flagged off today at SSB border out post Uttarey, West Sikkim on Indo-Nepal border.
B.K. Pal, Deputy Inspector General of Sashastra Seema Bal (Gangtok Sector), the chief guest on this occasion flagged off the Trekking Expedition team in a grand ceremonial function at Uttarey. While addressing the Joint team, present dignitaries and people, he said that this is the first ever joint Expedition of Army and Sashastra Seema Bal in Sikkim area, and added that this exercise will increase camaraderie, mutual understanding and co-operation at all levels between Army & Sashastra Seema Bal. He further said that understanding thus established between two forces will help in future operations in the area to secure the borders. He wished that beside this Expedition, Army will participate in other operational joint exercises with Sashastra Seema Bal.
In this first ever joint Expedition two officers, two JCOs and ten others from Army and two officers, two SOs and three others from SSB are participating. The 21 members team will cover the area from Uttarey to Yuksum in 25 days which include acclimatization at different heights. The Patrolling route falls all along the Indo-Nepal border. The officers and personnel of 36th and 72nd Battalion of SSB are participating in the exercise. During the exercise the team will familiarise with the terrain along the Nepal border, and also interact with Forest officials and locals to know their difficulties and daily routine.
The flag off function was attended by the officers of 192 Field Regiment and other ranks, Commandant 36th Bn SSB, SSB officers & personnel and people at large.
