Asserting that modern border infrastructure will enhance the country’s military capabilities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that in a departure from earlier times, connectivity has been established in border and coastal areas, from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh and from Jaisalmer to Andaman Nicobar islands.
addressing soldiers on the occasion of Diwali at Nowshera sector in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, Modi lauded the role played by the brigade here in the 2016 surgical strikes on terror launchpads across the LoC, and asserted that even though innumerable attempts were made after the strikes to disturb peace in the region, every time terrorism was given a befitting reply.
He also asserted that India must enhance its military capabilities in line with the changing world and modes of war, and noted that modern border infrastructure has been built to augment connectivity and troop deployment.
Hailing the valour of the soldiers, Modi said they were the ‘suraksha kawach’ (protective shield) of ‘Maa Bharti’ (mother India) and it was because of them that people of the country can sleep peacefully and there is happiness during festivals.
Hailing the role of the brigade here in the 2016 operation, Modi said their role fills the people of the country with pride.
“I will always remember that day as it was decided that all soldiers should return before sunset and I was waiting anxiously for the call to know if all my jawans had returned,” he said.
Without any casualties, all the bravehearts returned after their accomplishment, Modi said.
After the surgical strikes, innumerable attempts were made to disturb peace in the region and attempts are still being made, but every time terrorism has been given a “befitting reply”, the prime minister said.