- Soldier’s duty is to safeguard national interests & win people’s hearts: Rajnath Singh
- Remain extra vigilant; there should be zero tolerance to terror: Rajnath Singh
Shyam Sood
Rajouri, December 27: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday visited Rajouri-Poonch & took stock of the security situation.
The visit was in the aftermath of dreaded terrorist attack on two army vehicles on December 21 that had claimed lives of 4 soldiers and after a wave of outrage following the killing of three civilians on December 22, who were rounded up for questioning,
He carried out a first-hand assessment of the prevailing situation as well as the counter-terror operations in the area.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi.
Defence Minister while interacting with the soldiers at Division HOs at Rajouri paid tributes to the soldiers killed in action and conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the bravehearts. He wished a speedy recovery of the injured soldiers.
“Government stands with the Armed Forces and the nation will forever be indebted to the unparalleled valour and sacrifice of the soldiers. Welfare of Armed Forces is Government’s top priority additional efforts are being made to bolster the security and intelligence framework,” said Defence Minister.
“Indian Army is not an ordinary army. The soldiers are our protectors. It is their duty to not only safeguard national interests, but also to win the hearts of the people. There should be zero tolerance to terrorism. Be extra vigilant, so that no untoward incident occurs in future,” said Rajnath Singh.
He described the recent incidents in the sector as unfortunate and asked all ranks to undertake operations based on hard intelligence, in accordance with established procedures aided by niche technology.
He urged all Commanders to have zero tolerance for violations of the well-established SOPs.
Rajnath Singh emphasised professionalism & due diligence in operations, urges extra vigilance with zero tolerance to terror.
“Soldier’s duty is to safeguard national interests and win people’s hearts, said Rajnath Singh.
Hum yudh bhi jeetenge…jung bhi jeetenge…hum aatankwadiyon ka bhi safaya karenge.. lekin saath hi saath deshwasiyon ke hume dil bhi jeetna hai” he said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh along with Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also met with the families of three deceased persons residents of Topa Pir village in Surankot,
He assured expeditious investigation into the incident culminating into deliverance of justice.
Defence Minister and Manoj Sinha also met with the inured civilians who are under treatment in a special ward at Associated Hospital Government Medical College (AH GMC) Rajouri.
At Division HQs during security review meeting, Defence Minister was given a detailed brief on the prevalent security situation, counter-infiltration grid and operational preparedness.
The aspects associated with the operating challenges were discussed by Rajnath Singh with the Commanders on ground.
Defence Minister expressed satisfaction for the high level of synergy between the security forces, civil administration, J&K Police, Central Armed Police Forces, and other security agencies in projecting a clear message of resoluteness towards improving of the security environment, that is conducive to fostering a new era of development in the Union Territory (UT).
He also complimented the local people for their steadfastness and contribution towards joining the mainstream efforts undertaken by the Government of India. It was emphasised that the unity in thought process, alignment, and collective resolve for the good of the nation is the most important foundation for achievement of shared aspirations of peace & development in the UT.
