PM Modi To Soldiers On Diwali: “Proud Of Your Role In Surgical Strikes”

Srinagar: 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) in 2016 signifies India’s army’s resolve and capabilities and that he himself monitored the operation till the last soldier returned safely after conducting the surgical strike. India had conducted the surgical strike on September 29, 2016, across the LoC as a response to a terrorist attack on an Army base in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing army personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of Diwali, a practice he has kept since taking over as prime minister, PM pointed out that they were the “suraksha kawach” (armour) of the nation.

“Our soldiers are the ‘suraksha kawach’ of ‘Maa Bharti’. It is because of you all that people of our country can sleep peacefully and there is happiness during festivals,” the Prime Minister said in Nowshera sector in the border district of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir.

Attempts were made to spread terrorism after the surgical strike five years ago but they were given a fitting reply, he said.

“In the surgical strike, your contribution will be remembered by the country. I was waiting anxiously for the call, didn’t want anyone to be left behind. But you came out as winners. Even after the strikes, attempts were made to disturb the peace here,” he said.

India must enhance its military capabilities in line with the changing world and modes of war, he said.

Since taking over as prime minister, PM Modi has made it a point to meet troops in a border region on Diwali, starting from a visit to Siachen in 2014. This is the second time PM is celebrating Diwali with troops in the district. (NDTV)