IMPHAL: After successfully completing a 10-day National Integration Tour (NIT) to Kolkata, a group of 21 students accompanied by three teachers from Ukhrul district arrived in Imphal on Monday.
The tour was organised by the Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters 10 Sector Assam Rifles and Headquarters IGAR (South). A formal flagging-in ceremony was held at the Assam Rifles Headquarters, IGAR (South), in the presence of parents and guardians of the participating students.
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Conducted from December 11 to 21, 2025, the National Integration Tour aimed at promoting national integration while broadening the outlook and aspirations of youth from the Northeast region.
The student delegation included six students each from Alfa Friendship School, Kachai, and Ukhrul Higher Secondary School; five students from Model School, Ukhrul; and four students from Little Angel School, Ukhrul.
Speaking as the chief guest at the ceremony, Brig KVP Singh Sambyal, Deputy Inspector General, IGAR (South), commended the students for their confidence, discipline, and articulate conduct throughout the tour. He said the participants had acted as worthy ambassadors of Manipur and, in particular, Ukhrul district.
Noting that the students had the opportunity to visit Kolkata—a city rich in history, culture, and diversity—Brig Sambyal expressed hope that they would carry back their experiences and share the knowledge and exposure gained with the people of Ukhrul.
During the tour, the students travelled by road to Dimapur and then proceeded to Kolkata by train. While in Kolkata, they visited prominent landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial, the iconic Howrah Bridge, Nicco Park, Science City, Birla Planetarium, Vijay Durg, Lok Bhawan, and New Market. The delegation also enjoyed a ferry ride to the Sundarbans.
Sharing her experience, Timreila Lakan, a Class XII student of Ukhrul Higher Secondary School, said the journey, especially her first train travel, was memorable as it exposed her to bustling cities, rivers, and the diversity of people, reflecting the vastness of the country.
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She added that the interactions and inspiring messages from the Governor of West Bengal and the Army Commander of the Eastern Command reassured them that youths from the eastern border areas can dream big and make meaningful contributions to the nation.
“The tour not only opened doors to new places but also expanded our minds and aspirations,” she said.