The 11 Para Special Forces (SF) team has etched its name in history by becoming the first mountaineering team to successfully reach the summit of Mount Kangto, the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh. This pioneering and triumphant ascent was achieved on November 26, when the Tricolour was unfurled atop the formidable mountain for the very first time.
The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt. General KT Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retd.), personally congratulated the 11 Para SF team, operating under the aegis of 4 Corps, during an interaction at Lok Bhavan, Itanagar on Monday.
The Governor praised their determination and pioneering spirit.
He said, “True to the finest traditions of the Indian Army, the team has not only conquered the peak but also charted a route that future expeditions can follow. This is a proud milestone for both the unit and the formation.” He urged the team to continue undertaking ventures that demonstrate courage, discipline, and excellence.
The 18-member expedition, which was flagged off by the GOC 4 Corps from Khirmu Helipad, Tawang on November 3, undertook the mission in peak winter. Over weeks of relentless ascent, the team negotiated treacherous ice walls, sub-zero blizzards, deep crevasses, and the tactical sensitivities of operating along the LAC. They established multiple high-altitude camps, fixed ropes across unforgiving terrain, and pushed beyond physical and mental thresholds, showcasing their valour and professionalism.
Highlighting the broader significance, the Governor shared that the state could now open its mountaineering routes to international climbers as part of its tourism promotion initiatives. “This step will significantly boost adventure tourism, strengthen the local economy, and create new livelihood opportunities for the youth of the region,” he added.
The expedition was flagged in on November 30 by the GOC-in-C, Eastern Command at Dirang, West Kameng District, concluding a mission that stands as a resounding testament to the team’s unyielding spirit.
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