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Indian army launches integration tour for Manipur students

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KOLKATA: In an endeavour to engage and inspire local youths and to promote national integrity in the strife-affected Manipur , the Indian Army initiated a national integration tour on Saturday where 20 school students and two teachers started a tour to Delhi, Agra and Lucknow to meet President Droupadi Murmu and senior military officials during a 10-day programme.

The students -- 14 girls and 6 boys -- and the 2 teachers hail from Sacred Heart School at Yambem in Imphal East district, representing the villages of Andro, Yaripok, Yambem, Changamdabi and Angtha.

The tour was formally inaugurated by Major General SS Kartikeya, General Officer Commanding Red Shield Division on November 2 from Koirengei in Manipur. The GOC, accompanied by the chairperson of the FWO, Red Shield Division, conversed with the students and conveyed best wishes for their expedition.

As part of Operation Sadbhavana -- an initiative undertaken by Indian Army to address aspirations of people affected by terrorism, sponsored and abetted by Pakistan -- the contingent shall first arrive in Delhi before proceeding to Agra, and Lucknow, endeavouring to foster national unity and promote cultural understanding .

"Over ten days, the students will interact with the President of India and senior military dignitaries whilst experiencing the nation's rich cultural heritage and visiting significant historical and educational sites," a senior official stated. The group is scheduled to return to Imphal on November 12.

Operation Sadbhavana aims to assist people affected by terrorism, integrate locals into the national mainstream, diminish proxy wars in the region and neutralise anti-India propaganda. The operation centres on five spheres -- infrastructure development, education, community development projects, women and youth empowerment and health and sanitation.
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