(Third from right) Akum Abraham who has been selected to climb the highest mountain in the world- Mount Everest along with members of the North East Everest Expedition 2011.
Dimapur, Oct 21 : Scaling newer heights, a Naga mountaineering enthusiast has been selected to climb the highest mountain in the world- Mount Everest. Akum Abraham from Tuensang has been selected for the North East Everest Expedition -2011 which flags off in March next year. If he succeeds, he will be the first Naga to have climbed Mount Everest. Abraham is an A.B.S.I of 8th NAP Battalion and a member of the Mountaineering and Adventure Sports Association Nagaland.
According to the general secretary Mountaineering and Adventure Sports Association Nagaland, Ayeto Ayemi, Abraham is a member of the association and has completed his training from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Darjeeling. He has already climbed Sanglapher Peak 7500 meters in 2010, Ayemi informed.
“Though he has just completed basic Course ‘A’, his physical attributes and attitude tower over his other rivals which has also earned him his position in the summit team of the expedition instead of the support team,” Ayemi stated in a press note today. The note mentioned that the present agenda of the association now is the search for sponsorship and support.
Meanwhile, the North East Everest Expedition-2011 issued a separate proposal note addressed to the Chief Minister of Nagaland. Issued by Secretary cum leader Nasim Akhtor, the note mentioned that the budget for the expedition is approximately ` 2 crore and 32 lakhs. The note stated: “I seek your kind help and personal indulgence to make success of this mega event and dream of North East Mountaineers.”
Akhtor further informed that under the banner of North East Adventure Foundation, the first ever Mt. Everest Expedition is being organized with participation of highly qualified mountaineers from North East. He said “This will not only give tremendous boost to the youths of North East region but also set as initiative for more adventure activities in near future. Therefore, this is my earnest request to you for your esteemed sponsorship for the mentioned budget.”