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PM marks Diwali in Siachen, announces Rs.745 cr more for Kashmir
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Sheikh Qayoom | 24 Oct, 2014
Wrapped in thick woollens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew to the icy
heights of Siachen Glacier in Jammu and Kashmir Thursday where he lauded
the armed forces and promised a national memorial for Indian soldiers.
He later announced an additional relief package of Rs.745 crore for the
flood-ravaged state.
The Siachen halt marked the start of a visit
on Diwali day to the state where he later met victims of the recent
floods - the most destructive in 50 years - at Raj Bhavan, an event
boycotted by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
"I am fortunate that
as a servant of the nation, I got to see in what circumstances the
soldiers have to live here," Modi said, addressing troops in Hindi in
freezing temperature at the world's highest battlefield.
Dressed
in battle fatigue woollen jackets, a red scarf and goggles to protect
the eyes from blizzards, Modi promised to enforce a one-rank-one-pension
scheme for the armed forces during his tenure.
"It is my duty to see that you and your family live in pride."
The
Siachen conflict between India and Pakistan has reportedly claimed more
than 2,000 lives on both sides since 1984, with most soldiers falling
victim to inhospitable weather and altitude problems.
"Everyone
is aware of the extreme conditions at Siachen. Overcoming every
challenge our soldiers stand firm, protecting our motherland," Modi
earlier tweeted.
"Be it the altitude or bitter cold, nothing
deters our soldiers. They stand there, serving our nation. They make us
truly proud."
He said he had "a message from each and every Indian to our soldiers: that we stand shoulder to shoulder with you...
"We realise how and in what difficult conditions you are deployed here."
From
Siachen, Modi extended Diwali greetings to everyone -- including
President Pranab Mukherjee, the commander in chief of the armed forces.
"Perhaps
this is the first time a prime minister has got the wonderful
opportunity of spending time with our jawans on this auspicious day...
Am sure this would be among the most unique greetings Pranab-da
received."
As Modi flew to Siachen, Pakistan Rangers fired at
Indian paramilitary positions on the international border in Jammu, 365
km away while a strike called by separatists hit life in Srinagar.
Modi also said he wanted to build a national war memorial for the military.
Meanwhile,
buses went off the roads in Srinagar but some private vehicles and
auto-rickshaws plied during a shutdown called by separatist groups
opposed to Modi's visit.
Most shops were shut, and police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in large numbers all across the city.
Separatist
leader Syed Ali Geelani accused Modi of rubbing "salt on our wounds" by
visiting Kashmir on Diwali but not extending Eid greetings to Kashmiri
Muslims.
Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front leader Yasin Malik
said Modi was "politicising a human tragedy" -- a reference to Modi's
meetings with the flood victims.
Modi later announced an
additional relief package of Rs.745 crore for rebuilding of damaged
homes and hospitals in the flood-affected state.
"I had come here
immediately after the floods last month and announced a relief package
of Rs.1,000 crore. The purpose of my today's visit has been to meet the
people and get a better idea about what needs to be done for the people
who suffered during the floods," Modi told media persons at Raj Bhavan.
He
said the loss memo of Rs.44,000 crore submitted to the Centre by the
state government was being examined, and announced an immediate relief
of Rs.570 crore for rebuilding of damaged homes and Rs.175 crore for
similarly affected hospitals in the state.
Meanwhile, many flood-affected people who came to meet Modi returned disappointed as they were not allowed to enter Raj Bhavan.
"We
had heard on radio and television that the prime minister would meet
flood victims at Raj Bhavan. Following that announcement, we walked to
meet the prime minister since there was no public transport in the city
because of a separatist shutdown," said one of the people who walked to
Raj Bhavan.
"We were not allowed to go inside Raj Bhavan. Some
people told us the list of those meeting the prime minister had already
been finalised," said the disappointed man, a flood victim who wanted to
meet Modi.
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NARAYANAN C A | Mon Oct 27 17:19:46 2014
It is very nice effecting visit to Siachin and observe the conditions of the area and dare of of Soldiers and their sinciearty to the Nation PM has lot of idea and plan to bring India forward in e very area of nation building and it every Indian's duty to strengthen PM by implementing the projects effectively in very walk of activities It is also appreciable visit to fllod effected state by a PM and declaring funds for relief - there needs wholehearted mind and work hard for re leaf of the victims of Kashmir by all Government mechinaries Every action has to made keeping in mind WE are Indian no cast creed and most important no politicized talk or action BE INDIAN AND BE PROUD AS INDIAN iF THERE IS WILL TO EVERY INDIANS WE CAN MAKE HEAVEN IN INDIA.
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