Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Siachen base camp on Monday, and called it the capital of valour and bravery. Singh interacted with the armed forces personnel deployed at the Kumar post of Siachen glacier in Ladakh. He also exchanged sweets with the personnel, according to an ANI report.
Rajnath Singh in his address, commended the soldiers for protecting the nation with valour & determination in extreme weather & tough terrain.
“Acts of bravery & iron-clad will of our soldiers in the icy Siachen glacier will always inspire future generations”, he said, as per an official statement.
"The land of Siachen is not an ordinary land. It is a symbol of the country's sovereignty and perseverance. It represents our national determination. Our national capital is Delhi, Mumbai is our economic capital, and our technological capital is Bengaluru. Siachen is India's capital of valour and bravery," the defence minister was quoted as saying by ANI.
Singh also laid a wreath at the war memorial at the base camp.
The defence minister was accompanied by Army Chief, Manoj Pande, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar and General Officer Commanding, 14 Corps Lieutenant General Rashim Bali. His visit involved a review of India's overall military preparedness in the region. He was given a detailed brief on the operational readiness in the Siachen Glacier and the prevalent security situation. The defence minister also discussed the aspects associated with the operational challenges with the Commanders on the ground.
Chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' followed the defence minister's interaction with the personnel, reported ANI.
The nation recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of the success of Operation Meghdoot. Rajnath Singh termed the operation, which was launched by the Indian Army in Siachen on April 13, 1984, as a golden chapter of the country’s military history.
Rajnath Singh was scheduled to visit Siachen on March 24 to celebrate Holi with the armed forces personnel, but the plan was cancelled and he instead spent the day with troops in Leh.
The Siachen glacier, which is at a height of around 20,000 feet above sea level in the Karakoram range, is the highest militarised zone in the world where the soldiers have to battle frostbite and high winds.