PM Modi Celebrates Diwali with Soldiers in Rajouri

Says surgical strikes showed Indian Army's resolve, capability


Kashmir Magazine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the surgical strikes across the Line of Control in 2016 showed the Indian Army's resolve and capability and stated that he himself monitored the operation till the last soldier returned back.

Addressing soldiers in Nowshera Sector of Rajouri, where he celebrated Diwali with the army personnel near the Line of Control, PM Modi said that he was personally monitoring the operation in 2016 when the army conducted surgical strikes across the border in 2016 in response to a deadly attack on an Army base in Uri Sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that the Army were the "Suraksha Kawach" (Armour) of the nation and it is because of them that al; the people of the country can sleep peacefully and there is happiness during festivals.

Modi said that there were attempts to spread terrorism after the surgical strike five years ago but they were given a fitting reply. "In the surgical strike, your contribution will be remembered for times to come. I was waiting anxiously for the call, didn't want anyone to be left behind. But you came out as winners. Even after the strikes, attempts were made to disturb the peace here," he said.

He also said that India must enhance its military capabilities in line with the changing world and modes of war.

Notably, this is the second time PM Modi celebrated Diwali with the Army personnel in the district. In 2019, PM Modi celebrated Diwali at an Army division in Rajouri, and this time he celebrated the festival with soldiers in Nowshera, which is close to the LoC.

During his address to the soldiers, he also said that he was with them as a family member, and not as the PM of the country and stated that he has brought blessing of crores of Indians with him.

"I am not here as your PM, but as a family member. I have brought blessings of crores of Indians," PM Modi said while addressing the soldiers.

He said that the moment he landed here, his heart was filled with thrill. “This place where I am present is an example of your bravery. You have given a befitting reply to all the conspiracies here,” PM Modi said.

‘Here as family member, not as PM’
PM Modi while addressing soldiers in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district also said that he was with them as a family member, and not as a PM, and he has brought blessing of crores of Indians with him.

"I am not here as your PM, but as a family member. I have brought blessings of crores of Indians," PM Modi said while addressing soldiers.

He said that the moment he landed here, his heart was filled with thrill. “This place where I am present is an example of your bravery. You have given a befitting reply to all the conspiracies here,” PM Modi said.

‘Armed forces represent India’s diversity, collective spirit of 130 crore Indians’

PM Modi also stated that that the armed forces represent India’s diversity and the collective spirit of 130 crore Indians
In a Tweet he said that the Indian forces are synonymous with trust.

“Our armed forces represent India’s diversity and the collective spirit of 130 crore Indians.Our forces are not only known for their utmost professionalism but also they are at the forefront helping people in times of crisis. Our forces are synonymous with trust,” Narendra Modi Tweeted.

He also said he felt privileged to celebrate Diwali with the soldiers in Nowshera as a member of their family and not as the PM.

“I feel privileged that I got to spend Diwali with our brave soldiers in Nowshera, not as Prime Minister but as a member of their family,” he Tweeted.