Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Rajouri district on Saturday (April 6) to review the security situation along the borders in Jammu and Kashmir, a day after five elite army para commandos were killed during an anti-terrorist operation in the district's forested Kandi area. Singh expressed his condolences for the personnel's deaths and praised the security officers for their bravery and zeal in the face of adversity.
In a tweet, Singh said: "Visited the Army Base Camp in Rajouri, J&K today. Reviewed the operational capabilities and security situation along the border. Also, interacted with the brave soldiers of the Indian Army. India salutes their devotion towards protecting our motherland".
In response to a tweet from the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI)-Indian Army, Singh said, "I pay homage to these brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief".
Singh arrived in Rajouri after a brief stopover in Jammu, accompanied by Army Chief General Manoj Pande and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Ministry of Defence said in an official statement.
"The Defence Minister interacted with the soldiers and commended their valour and zeal while operating in challenging situations. He asserted that the Nation feels secure because of the unmatched courage, commitment and constant vigil of the soldiers of the Indian Army in difficult areas," the ministry said.
"He motivated them to continue working with the same dedication and bravery, stating that the Government and the people of the country are with the Armed Forces always," it added further.
READ | Rajnath Singh Reaches Jammu To Review Security Situation Day After 5 Jawans Died In Rajouri
It is to be noted that the minister's visit is also significant because terrorists have killed 35 people, including 26 soldiers, in eight attacks in Rajouri and Poonch since October 2021. More than a decade ago, the two districts were declared terrorist-free.
On Friday, five army personnel were killed and one major-rank officer was injured during Operation Trinetra, a combing operation in the Kandi area. Saturday morning, a terrorist who was holed up was killed, and another is believed to have been injured. Officials said the army chief arrived in Jammu before the defence minister, who arrived minutes later. Lt Governor joined senior civil and military officers in welcoming the defence minister.