By Sachin Pokharel
Itahari, Jan. 19: The Nepali Army has launched a campaign to study, research, protect and promote the historical forts, fortresses and battlefields of Province 1.
The campaign is part of the army’s larger initiative to preserve and promote various forts and foot trails used by Prithvi Narayan Shah and his soldiers during the unification of Nepal.
Under this campaign, the army has prioritised study and protection of six strategically, historically and economically important forts of Province 1, informed the headquarters of the Nepali Army No. 2 Brigade, Itahari.

Brigadier General Prakash Deuja said that the army has prioritised the Sangurigadhi of Dhankuta, Hatuwagadhi of Bhojpur, Chaudandigadhi and Udayapurgadhi of Udayapur and Hedangnagadhi and Chainpurgadhi of Sankhuwasabha.

He said that the army had been holding discussions with the concerned government and social stakeholders to protect these important sites.
In order to boost tourism in the area, the army’s Barakh Battalion also organised a three-kilometre walk from Sangurugadhi to Fedi recently which was participated in by officials from the local levels, security and administrative agencies and social organisations.

The 10 Limbu states, collectively called the Das Limbuwan, were conquered after the death of the famous Aathapungo Limbu King. After the conquest, the Yak (fort) constructed by King Sayok Hang – called the Sayok Yak – acquired the name Sangurigadhi. That is why this building, which has 10 rooms, holds great significance for the Limbu community.

On the occasion, Deuja said that army aimed to preserve Nepal's art, culture and history, strengthen national unity and develop tourism with this campaign. He also said that the army needed help from other stakeholders and local people to make this campaign a success.