PM Modi To Jawans in Siachen: ’Happy Diwali, You Make It Possible for Indians to Celebrate

Mangalore Today News Network

Siachen, Oct 23, 2014:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday wished citizens "Happy Diwali" from Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, where he made a surprise visit before heading to flood-hit Srinagar.

"From the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier & with the brave Jawans & Officers of the Armed Forces, I wish all of you a Happy Diwali," he tweeted to the nation.

He also wished President Pranab Mukherjee and said this could be among the "most unique greetings Pranab Da has received."

PM Modi took a special Indian Air Force aircraft to Siachen and was flown by helicopter to the base camp at about 12,000 feet. He made an aerial survey of the glacier before meeting soldiers, accompanied by Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhaag.

Speaking to the jawans, he said, "125 crore Indians could celebrate Diwali today and go about their lives in comfort because the jawans stood guard at the borders, prepared to make every sacrifice for the nation. Each and every Indian stands shoulder to shoulder with you!"

The Prime Minister said he had come unannounced but "one does not need to announce arrival when coming to meet one’s own."

Mr Modi is the first prime minister to visit Siachen in 10 years.

The visit is being seen as a strong message to Pakistan, which has been pressing for the pullout of troops from the glacier since 2012, when 130 Pakistani soldiers died in an avalanche on their side of the slopes. India has been opposing the demand given the strategic importance of the glacier.

The army has been posted at the 71-km glacier since 1984.

In a series of tweets, PM Modi paid tribute to thousands of soldiers, who, he said, stand firm, serving the nation in most severe conditions, "be it the altitude or bitter cold." They were no less than sages, he wrote in the visitors’ book at Siachen.

After spending over two hours at Siachen, PM Modi left for Srinagar, which was devastated by floods last month, the worst the state has seen in 100 years.

 

Courtesy: NDTV