Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while showering praises on the armed forces for protecting the nation despite severe cold conditions in Ladakh, Sunday said that the nation continues to flourish even as “some untoward events unfold on our borders at times.”
“Credit goes to you all. Your commitment deserves all praise and applause. You perform your duties despite severe cold conditions in Ladakh. Nation is highly indebted to you,” Singh said addressing the armed forces after celebrating Holi festival with the Jawans at Ladakh, as per a Srinagar based news agency. “Our country continues to progress despite the fact that at times some untoward events take place on our borders. Our borders are vast and spread in all directions,” Singh said.
The defence minister was supposed to visit world’s highest battlefield Siachen but due to the inclement weather, he couldn’t go there. “I wanted to celebrate the festival of colours with the soldiers at Siachen but due to bad weather I couldn’t make it. I am committed that in future, I will visit Siachen and meet the soldiers there who are bearing the brunt of bone chilling cold to protect the nation,” he said.
The defence minister was flanked by Army Chief General Manoj Pande. Extending his Holi greetings to the soldiers, he said Ladakh is the land of Siachen, Galwan,Kargil and pride of “Bharat.” “Ladakh represents valour and bravery,” he said. “It is indeed a pleasure to celebrate holy with the bravehearts.”
He said India is touching new heights in development as schools, hospitals, industries, temples, masjids and shops are flourishing. “This is all was possible when you are protecting the nation here. Indian citizens sleep without fear,” Singh.
He assured the soldiers that the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendera Modi is committed to take care of families and children of soldiers. Earlier, Singh exchanged colours with the soldiers and distributed sweets among them to mark the Holi festival.
