Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Sep 23: As a show of solidarity and cultural celebration, Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), GP Singh Tuesday reaffirmed that the force stands with the people of Kashmir “in every situation.”
The occasion marked the flagging off of the 3rd edition of the Yashasvini High-Altitude Women’s Bike Expedition 2025 from Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk.
The event, infused with tributes, cultural programs and community participation, highlighted not only the CRPF’s operational spirit but also its social connect with the Valley, as locals, women riders and officers joined hands in a journey of courage and resilience.
At the start of the ceremony, DG, GP Singh, paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of the 2001 Parliament attack, saluting their sacrifice and remembering those honoured with the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest gallantry award.
Adding colour to the occasion, local artists performed Kashmiri folk music and Rouf dance, creating a festive atmosphere. Cultural groups also showcased performances reflecting Kashmir’s rich traditions, drawing applause from the audience, which included women and children from Lal Chowk and adjoining areas.
DG Singh, while addressing the gathering, said, “This expedition is not just a test of endurance, but a reminder of CRPF’s contribution to India’s internal security and its everlasting commitment to the people of Kashmir. Your encouragement inspires us to serve better.”
He said the seven-day high-altitude expedition will see an all-women CRPF team cover nearly 1,400 km from Lal Chowk to Pangong Tso and back, crossing Khardung La at an altitude of 18,000 feet. He extended his greetings to the riders, calling them “torchbearers of courage and inspiration.”
He also acknowledged the officers leading the expedition as, DIG Balav Sharma, Brigadier SP Rai and DK Singh, with appreciating their guidance in preparing the team for extreme conditions including sub-zero temperatures and rough terrain.
It is worth mentioning, the Yashasvini High-Altitude CRPF Bike Expedition is an exclusive Mahila Bike series that began in March 2023 with the Delhi–Jagdalpur ride. Its second edition was flagged off in September 2023 from Srinagar, Shillong, and Kanyakumari to Kevadia. This year’s edition, flagged off from Kashmir’s heart, adds special significance, strengthening the CRPF’s message of unity, courage, and people’s connect.
Moreover, a statement issued reads: to carry forward the message of patriotism and national integration, the 3rd Edition Yashasvini High Altitude CRPF Bike Expedition 2025 was flagged oH today by, Gyanendra Pratap Singh, IPS, DG CRPF from the iconic clock tower at Lal Chowk, Srinagar.
It reads as, the bike expedition comprising 33 fearless women bikers shall undertake a journey from Srinagar to the breath-taking Pangong Tso Lake via Khardung La in Ladakh showcasing a vibrant display of women empowerment, resilience, grit, and teamwork of CRPF’s women warriors.
“The nine-day bike rally shall cover approximately 1,400 km culminating with their return to Srinagar on October 1, 2025. The bikers will carry the National Flag along with the Force’s message to the nation: “Desh Ke Hum Hain Rakshak”,” the statement reads.
It reads as, speaking on the occasion, G.P. Singh, IPS, DG CRPF, congratulated the women bikers, stating that they are the torchbearers of the CRPF and deserve special appreciation and gratitude. He also reiterated that the CRPF stands with the people of Kashmir in every situation and expressed gratitude to the local population for their continued support.
“Also present on the occasion were Dr. Anamika Singh, President, CWWA, Sundari Yadav, Zonal Head CWWA, Deepak Kumar, ADG (Training) CRPF, Rajesh Kumar, ADG, J&K Zone CRPF, SJM Gilani, SDG (Coordination) PHQ J&K Police and Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir Zone, Vineet Brij Lal, IG Kashmir Ops Sector CRPF, Pawan Kumar Sharma, IG Srinagar Sector CRPF and senior officers of CRPF, J&K Police and civil administration,” it reads with adding the event was also marked by vibrant cultural performances, including the Kashmiri folk dance Rouf, and a Taekwondo demonstration.
The statement also reads, DG CRPF honoured the Veer Naris and the families of the martyrs who were specially invited and assured them of all possible support and timely assistance.
