As always, PM Modi celebrated the festival with soldiers, this time in Kargil…reports Asian Lite News
The Border Security Force and the Pakistan Rangers exchanged sweets at the International Border in Jammu on the occasion of Diwali, officials said on Monday.
“Today, on the occasion of Diwali, BSF and Pak Rangers exchanged sweets at various BOPs under Jammu Frontier in a very cordial atmosphere,” the BSF said.
BSF Jammu offered the sweets to Pak Rangers and the Rangers also reciprocated.
The BSF said the exchange of sweets was done all along the BoPs in Samba, Kathua, RS Pura, and Akhnoor border.
“BSF has always been on the forefront in creating a peaceful and congenial atmosphere on the border while dominating the border effectively.
“Such gestures help build a peaceful atmosphere and cordial relationships on border between both border guarding forces,” it said.
Modi in Kargil
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a Kargil visit to celebrate Diwali with soldiers, took part in a special sing-along to the Vande Mataram song on Monday.
In a video, Prime Minister was seen clapping as jawans were singing the Vande Mataram song. The PM was standing in the centre while some of the jawans were tuning guitars and other instruments.
PM Modi landed in Kargil on Monday morning to celebrate Diwali with jawans.
The Prime Minister has been celebrating the festival with soldiers for several years now. He distributed sweets among the Army soldiers. He also laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial and paid tribute to the army personnel who lost their lives here in 1999.
Addressing soldiers, Prime Minister said, “For me, all of you have been my family for years now. It is a privilege to spend Diwali with our brave jawans in Kargil.”
“The forces are the pillar of India’s security. From this victorious land of Kargil, I wish the countrymen and the world a very happy Diwali. There has not been a single war with Pakistan where Kargil has not hoisted the flag of victory. The meaning of Diwali is end of Atank (terror) and Kargil made it possible,” he said.
“In Kargil, our forces crushed terror. I was fortunate enough to be a witness. I was shown my old photos here, and I am grateful for that,” he added.
PM said the armed forces are the pillar of the country’s safety and security. “A nation is safe when the border is secure, the economy is strong and the society is full of confidence. India wishes this festival of lights paves way for global peace,” he said.
Highlighting the reforms in armed forces by the Centre, Prime Minister said the induction of women officers will boost the country’s strength.
“For me, all of you have been my family for years now. It is a privilege to spend Diwali with our brave jawans in Kargil,” Prime Minister Modi said.
“Over the last eight years, we have laid emphasis on implementing reforms in the armed forces. We have opened positions in the forces for women. Women’s power will strengthen our armed forces. The induction of women officers under ‘permanent commission’ will result in the growth of our power,” he said.
PM said it is because the armed forces are protecting borders that every citizen in India sleeps peacefully.
“From this victorious land of Kargil, I wish the countrymen and the world a very happy Diwali. There has not been a single war with Pakistan where Kargil has not hoisted the flag of victory. Diwali means ‘festival of end of terror’ and Kargil made it possible. Our Army in Kargil crushed the fountainhead of terror and people till date remember the Diwali of victory the country celebrated,” Prime Minister said.
He said while the jawans are protecting the borders, every citizen in the country is working towards strengthening the nation.
Top brass were with border troops
On the lines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the top brass of the Defence Forces on Monday celebrated Deepawali with troops along the forward areas of the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
The new Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan visited the Rajouri sector on the Line of Control and interacted with troops there.
“Gen Anil Chauhan visited the Rajouri sector and interacted with troops deployed there on Line of Control, defence officials said.
He also laid a wreath at Naman Sthal in Naushera to honour the bravehearts who have laid down their lives in service of the nation, they added.
Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari also spent the day with Air Force and Army troops on the Line of Control.
“Celebrated Deepawali this year with the IAF and Indian Army troops deployed at forward areas along the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir. He distributed sweets & conveyed his greetings to the deployed personnel,” IAF officials said.
The Army chief spent his day with troops deployed in the high-altitude area of Sikkim which shares a boundary with China.
“Gen Pande visited forward areas along the Northern Borders in Sikkim and reviewed operational preparedness. He was briefed on the security situation and progress in infrastructure development by the Commanders on the ground,” Army officials said.
In Kargil, during Prime Minister’s visit, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi was also present on the occasion. (IANS/ANI)
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