By Reyaz Ahmed, NAK,
Srinagar/Baramulla : President of India Pratibha Devi Singh Patil arrived here on her maiden five-day visit to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
At the airport, the President was received by Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd), S. K. Sinha, Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister for Water Resources, Prof. Saifuddin Soz, Chairman, Legislative Council, Ghulam Nabi Hanjoora, Deputy Chief Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Ministers, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and senior army, civil and police officers.
A guard of honour was presented to the President by a contingent of the Indian Air Force before she flew to a forward post to address the troops.
Soon after his arrival in Srinagar, summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, the president flew to Sharat Post in Tangdar at Line of Control (LoC) where Pakistan Rangers recently violated ceasefire agreement.
Addressing troopers at 19 Infantry Brigade in Baramulla, Patil said that she felt very honored and gratified to see the soldiers keeping tight vigil and guarding country’s borders under precarious and hazards circumstances.
“I was elated to see the Jawans keeping vigil on borders of our country and safeguarding them. I simply admire the courage and moral of our soldiers who despite all odds are discharging their duties with full determination, patriotism and make all of us proud to have such an army,” said Patail.
“We must guard our borders with full dedication and bravery”, she said adding, “I am confident that any violation of our borders will be dealt with resolutely and firmly”.
The president was of the opening that it is only when our borders are protected that can the nation progress. “With your hard work and bravery, you have and will continue to make an important contribution in making India a great power. It is always our effort to ensure that our Armed Forces are equipped with modern and high quality weapons as well as imparted the best training,” she added.
“The citizens of India are proud of your bravery. You are performing your duties along the Line of Control with alertness, dedication and bravery. I congratulate and appreciate you on your outstanding services,” said Patil.
She also said that apart from manning the borders, the Indian Army, has been is involved in development works and is contributing to welfare activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The people of the State are benefiting from these activities.
While appreciating the soldiers she said , “Today, I visited the forward areas and had the opportunity to see all of you working with great vigil. Your discipline, patriotism, dedication and spirit of sacrifice are worthy of emulation. In fact, your bravery, courage and dedication have established high standards for the Nation. It is because of these qualities that the Indian Army is considered as one of the leading armies of the world.”
“Entire nation realize that you are constantly serving the country while being thousands of miles away from your homes. The Nation is with you in your endeavors. The Government is making every effort to provide you and your families’ maximum facilities,” she added.
The president later interacted with army officials and troopers and took ceremonial lunch with them.
The president was accompanied by Chief Minster Ghulam Nabi Azad, governor Lt Gen S.K Sinha, GoC Northern Command, LT General Mukesh Sabwaral and other top military and civil administration officials.
The president is on her maiden visit to the state and is schedule to visit Gulmarg, Bhaderwah, Jammu during her five days visit.
Sources said that the President will deliver the convocation address of the Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar and inaugurate the Institute of Kashmir Studies at Kashmir University, following which is likely to inaugurate the Jammu university complex at Bhadarwah, pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi and participate in annual convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, (SKAUST), Jammu. (NAK)