SRINAGAR Rajnath Singh, on his maiden visit after assuming charge as Defence minister, visited the Kashmir Valley on Monday and called for ensuring safety of the innocent people while dealing firmly with the inimical elements.
He visited the Siachen area in the morning and arrived in Srinagar by afternoon, accompanied by the army chief General Bipin Rawat and Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, Northern Army Commander. They were received by Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, Chinar Corps Commander in Srinagar. Rajnath Singh was briefed in detail about the situation on the Line of Control, hinterland and the successful counter militancy operations, a defence minister spokesman said.
He was also apprised of the great synergy and the close coordination amongst all the government agencies towards bringing back normalcy in the region and about the preparations in place for smooth conduct of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.
He urged all to continue the good that they were doing and ensure safety of the innocent people while dealing firmly with the inimical elements, the spokesman quoted him as saying.
He also impressed upon the commanders to maintain strict vigil along the Line of Control and remain prepared to give a befitting reply to any misadventure from across the LoC or border.
Earlier, Rajnath visited Siachen, the worlds highest battle field. He was accompanied by General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff. They arrived at the Thoise air field and were received by Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, GOC-in-C, Northern Command. After exchange of greetings and a quick orientation of the general area, he made an aerial reconnaissance of the Siachen Glacier to get acquainted with the expanse of this formidable frozen frontier and landed at one of the forward post of the Siachen Glacier, the spokesman said.
The minister interacted with troops at the worlds highest battle field and during his address to the troops at Siachen Base Camp, said I am proud of all Army personnel serving in Siachen who are leaving no stone unturned to defend our motherland. I am also proud of their parents who have sent their children to serve the Nation by joining the Armed Forces. I will personally send a Thank You note to them.
The minister, according to the spokesman, further eulogized the tenacious resolve and unstinting commitment of the Siachen Warriors to prevail with aplomb in extreme harsh weather and highly treacherous terrain for maintaining the sanctity of our borders and ensuring utmost safety of fellow countrymen.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the nation for placing the call of duty above everything while serving in one of the worlds most inhospitable location, the minister said.
The defence minister assured the troops that the government is fully aware of all operational and administrative requirements for optimal functioning at Siachen Glacier and assured Governments full support to fulfill the requirements on priority for our brave Siachen Warriors.
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