Srinagar, April 22 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday termed Siachen as "the capital of valour and courage" while addressing the soldiers on the highest battlefield in the world. Singh called the soldiers serving the nation as "no less than ‘devtas’ (gods) for the people of India".
"I congratulate you for the way you protect the country at the world's highest battlefield, the Siachen glacier,” he said.
The Defence Minister who was accompanied by Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, reviewed the military preparedness in Ladakh and said Siachen is no ordinary land and is a symbol of the country's sovereignty and perseverance.
“Siachen represents our national determination. Our national capital is Delhi, Mumbai is our economic capital, our technological capital is Bengaluru, but Siachen is our capital of valour and courage..." he said.
The Indian Army last week commemorated its 40th year on the Siachen Glacier. The operation Meghdoot was launched on April 13 1984, when the Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) advanced to the Siachen glacier to secure the heights dominating the Northern Ladakh region.
“40 years of Operation Meghdoot were completed last week. On April 13, 1984, the Indian Army carried out such a military operation which is cited as an example in the world today. Operation Meghdoot is such a golden chapter in Indian military history that has been thrilling every Indian for the last four decades,” the Defence Minister said.
He said the success of 'Operation Meghdoot' in Siachen is a matter of pride for all Indians. “We are proud of the bravery shown by our forces in this world's highest battlefield,” he said.
Singh said Army is always ready to protect the borders of the nation. “Your love for the nation serves as an inspiration for all of us Indians. It is always a proud moment for me to meet you all as a representative on behalf of the grateful nation,” he said.
The Defence Minister said he was supposed to Siachen on the day of Holi but bad weather didn’t allow him to visit this place.
“But I had promised the soldiers in Ladakh that I will visit Siachen soon and today, I am glad I am here with you at the world’s highest battlefield,” he said. “I salute from my heart all the brave soldiers deployed on Siachen Glacier to protect the motherland. I salute your immense love for the nation.”
UNI MJR ING