The Indian Army will lead a pilgrimage-cum-mountaineering expedition to Topo Gone, a sacred peak revered by the Galo community, in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi Yomi district next month, marking a rare convergence of cultural preservation, spirituality and strategic outreach.
Scheduled from January 19 to 24, the expedition will be jointly organised by the Army and the Galo Welfare Society, with a 24-member team, including four women, undertaking the ascent to the 2,900-metre peak located along the McMahon Line.
Topo Gone occupies a central place in Galo folklore and oral traditions, symbolising ancestral resilience and spiritual continuity. A senior Army official said the initiative reflected a landmark collaboration aimed at safeguarding indigenous cultural heritage while facilitating long-pending community access to the sacred site.
“The Indian Army is committed to ensuring the pilgrimage is conducted with the highest standards of safety, dignity, and logistical precision,” the official said.
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During preparatory discussions with the Army, Galo Welfare Society Research and Documentation chairman Moi Bagra outlined the historical significance of Topo Gone, describing it as a vital ancestral landmark deeply embedded in the community’s identity and collective memory.
Priest Mogi Ori spotlighted the religious importance of the expedition, saying it sought to reconnect the Galo people with a spiritual meridian that had remained geographically inaccessible for generations.
Officials said broader issues were also discussed during the interactions, including the opening up of the region for controlled civilian access, the development of tourism infrastructure and the strengthening of national security and territorial sovereignty in the strategically sensitive frontier area.
The expedition will be formally flagged off from the Aalo Brigade headquarters in West Siang district on January 19.
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