Defence Minister interacts with soldiers at Siachen Glacier

Srinagar: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday visited the Siachen Glacier – the world’s highest battlefield – where he interacted with field commanders and soldiers.

This was Singh’s maiden visit to the Siachen Glacier. He was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat.

Defence Minister arrived at the Thoise airfield and was received by Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, GOC-in-C, Northern Command, a defence spokesperson said in a statement.

After exchange of greetings and a quick orientation of the general area, Rajnath Singh made an aerial reconnaissance of the Siachen Glacier to get acquainted with the expanse of this formidable frozen frontier and landed at one of the forward post of the Siachen Glacier, he said.

The spokesperson said the Defence Minister while addressing the troops at the world’s highest battlefield at Siachen Base Camp said: “I am proud of all Army personnel serving in Siachen who are leaving no stone unturned to defend our motherland. I am also proud of their parents who have sent their children to serve the nation by joining the armed forces. I will personally send a Thank You note to them.”

The Defence Minister further eulogized the tenacious resolve and unstinting commitment of the ‘Siachen Warriors’ to prevail with aplomb in extreme harsh weather and highly treacherous terrain for maintaining the sanctity of the borders and ensuring utmost safety of fellow countrymen, the spokesperson said adding that Rajnath Singh also expressed his heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the nation for placing the call of duty above everything while serving in one of the world’s most inhospitable location.

Singh assured the troops that the government is fully aware of all operational and administrative requirements for optimal functioning at Siachen Glacier and assured government’s full support to fulfill the requirements on priority for our brave ‘Siachen Warriors’, the spokesperson said.

“As a mark of solemn tribute to the gallant martyrs, he (Defence Minister) laid a wreath at the ‘Siachen War Memorial’ in the memory of the brave soldiers who have made supreme sacrifice in service of the motherland,” the statement said.