Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh visits Siachen to assess the security situation
Siachen is the world’s highest battlefield
Commends
soldiers for protecting the nation with valour & determination in extreme
weather & tough terrain
“Acts of bravery & iron-clad will of our soldiers in the icy Siachen
glacier will always inspire future generations”
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh,
on April 22, 2024, visited Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, to carry
out a first-hand assessment of the security situation. He also interacted with
the soldiers deployed in the extreme weather & tough terrain conditions.
The Raksha Mantri was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj
Pande; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern
Command Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar; and General Officer
Commanding, 14 Corps Lieutenant General Rashim Bali.
Post the aerial reconnaissance, the Raksha Mantri landed
at a forward post at an altitude of 15,100 feet, and was given a detailed brief
on the operational readiness in the Siachen Glacier & the prevalent
security situation. He also discussed the aspects associated with the
operational challenges with the Commanders on ground.
Addressing the soldiers, Rajnath Singh lauded
them for walking on the virtuous path of protecting the motherland
with valour and determination in extreme conditions. He emphasised that
the nation will remain forever indebted to the Armed Forces
personnel, as due to their sacrifices, every citizen feels safe. “We are
leading a peaceful life as we have an assurance that our brave soldiers
stand steadfast at the borders. In the times to come, when the history of
national security is written, the acts of bravery & iron-clad will of our
soldiers in the icy cold glacier will be remembered with pride. It will
forever be an inspiration for future generations,” he said.
The Raksha Mantri described Siachen as not an
ordinary land, but a symbol of India’s sovereignty and determination. He stated
that just as Delhi is India’s national capital, Mumbai is the financial
capital and Bengaluru is the technology capital; Siachen is the capital of
courage, grit & determination.
The nation recently celebrated
the 40th anniversary of the success of Operation Meghdoot.
Rajnath Singh termed the operation, which was launched by the Indian Army in
Siachen on April 13, 1984, as a golden chapter of the country’s military
history. “The success of Operation Meghdoot is a matter of pride for all
of us,” he said.
On the occasion, the Raksha Mantri also laid a
wreath at the Siachen War Memorial, as a mark of solemn tribute to the
bravehearts who have made the supreme sacrifice in service of the Motherland.
It may be recalled that Rajnath Singh visited Leh on
March 24, 2024 and celebrated Holi with the troops. He was scheduled to visit
Siachen, but it was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. From
Leh, the Raksha Mantri had spoken with the soldiers posted in Siachen
over phone and told them that he will soon visit the world’s highest
battlefield & interact with them. Thus with today’s visit, Rajnath
Singh fulfilled his promise despite his busy schedule.