Srinagar: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived at Leh on Friday morning on a two day visit to Ladakh and Kashmir Valley. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat and Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane accompanied him.
On arrival at Leh, he was received by Northern Command Lieutenant General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen YK Joshi and Fire & Fury General Officer Commanding Lt Gen Harinder Singh.
At Leh, the minister witnessed a High Altitude Joint Airborne Exercise by integrated troops of all arms and services.
Thereafter, he visited a forward location in Eastern Ladakh, where he was briefed on the security situation and operational preparedness along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh as well as along the Line of Control in Kargil and Dras sectors.
Interacting with commanders and troops, Singh said, “I want to assure you that not an inch of our land can be taken by any power in the world.”
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh chairing a security review meeting in Srinagar (J&K). pic.twitter.com/kEjadcd0Xz
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) July 17, 2020
He further complimented the troops for the high standards of professionalism and devotion to duty displayed by them even in these challenging circumstances.
Assuring soldiers of the Nation’s support, the minister exhorted all ranks to remain vigilant and maintain a high order of operational readiness. He also interacted with Air Warriors at Leh Air Force Station.
The minister accompanied by the CDS and the chief left for Srinagar in the afternoon, where they were received by Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen BS Raju.
The minister was briefed in detail about the situation on the Line of Control, in the hinterland and successful counter terrorist operations.
He said that the country was proud of the valour and patriotic spirit of the soldiers.
Singh urged all to continue to work hard to ensure security both on the Line of Control and in the hinterland.
He also impressed upon the commanders to maintain strict vigil along the Line of Control and remain prepared to give a befitting reply to any misadventure by the adversary.
Later in the evening, the minister chaired a high level Security Review meeting which was attended by the Lieutenant Governor, UT of J&K, CDS, COAS, GOC-in-C Northern Command, Chief Secretary, DGP JKP, officials from the Security Forces, Civil Administration and Intelligence agencies.
The minister complimented everyone for great synergy and close coordination amongst the security forces and government agencies towards bringing back normalcy in the region and lauded their work in ensuring peace and security in J&K.
