PM says ‘happy Diwali’ from Siachen; strike hits J&K valley

NEW DELHI/SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday morning visited forward posts in the Siachen Glacier-Saltoro Ridge region, ahead of his scheduled visit to be with flood-hit people of J&K on Diwali.
Addressing the jawans in Siachen, PM Narendra Modi said that the entire country is behind them. “As the country’s pradhan sewak, I have the opportunity to be with you here,” Modi said.
Lauding the efforts of the brave soldiers, Modi said, “The nation sleeps in peace because you are awake.”.
“From the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier and with the brave jawans and officers of the armed forces, I wish all of you a happy Diwali,” PM Narendra Modi had tweeted earlier.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent some time with the soldiers posted on the heights of Siachen Glacier to send the message that all Indians stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them. Modi also greeted President Pranab Mukherjee from the icy heights on the occasion of Diwali.
“Perhaps this is the 1st time that a PM has got the wonderful opportunity of spending time with our Jawans on this auspicious day of Diwali. “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. Wished President Pranab Mukherjee a very Happy Diwali from Siachen! Am sure this would be among the most unique greetings Pranab Da received,” the Prime Minister tweeted.
Before leaving from Delhi, Modi had said that he was flying to the icy heights with a message that everyone stands firmly behind the soldiers guarding the border. “Am going to Siachen with a message from each and every Indian to our soldiers — that we stand shoulder to shoulder with you,” he said. Praising the country’s sentinels, Modi said, “Be it the altitude or bitter cold, nothing deters our soldiers. They stand there, serving our Nation. They make us truly proud.”He further said, “Everyone is aware of the extreme conditions at Siachen. Overcoming every challenge our soldiers stand firm, protecting our Motherland.
” After his brief visit to Siachen, Modi will travel to Srinagar to meet the flood victims in Jammu and Kashmir. “After the Siachen visit I will continue with my scheduled visit to Srinagar to spend time with those affected due to the recent floods,” Modi said on the micro-blogging site.
Meanwhile, ahead of the PM’s visit to Siachen and Srinagr, Pakistani troops on Thursday again resorted to firing from across the international border.
Meanwhile, in yet another ceasefire violation, Pakistan on Thursday again resorted to firing on Border Out Posts (BoPs) along the International Border (IB) in the Samba and Jammu districts of Jammu & Kashmir.(PTI)