Srinagar: On his trip to Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi first met jawans stationed at the Siachen Glacier and then later on in the day visited Srinagar and announced an additional relief package of Rs 745 crore for flood-affected Valley.
While visiting soldiers on Thursday, PM Modi said that every Indian stands "shoulder to shoulder" with them.
"Everyone is aware of the extreme conditions at Siachen. Overcoming every challenge our soldiers stand firm, protecting our motherland," Modi said in a tweet.
"Be it the altitude or bitter cold, nothing deters our soldiers. They stand there, serving our nation. They make us truly proud.
"Am going to Siachen with a message from each and every Indian to our soldiers: that we stand shoulder to shoulder with you," he said in tweets from his personal Twitter account.
Siachen glacier is the world's highest battlefield at a height of 5,400 meters. Its ownership is disputed by Pakistan.
Later on in the day he visited Srinagar where he took stock of the situation in flood-hit areas.
Talking to some media persons at the Raj Bhavan here, Modi said he had come to the state immediately after the floods occurred last month and announced a relief package of Rs.1,000 crore.
"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 said.
"I believe it would be better if the financial relief to people whose homes have been damaged is directly given to them through bank accounts.
"The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Everything will be done to rebuild the damaged homes and livelihood of the affected people."
Modi Thursday announced Rs 745 crore for rebuilding of damaged homes and hospitals.
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.
(With Agency Inputs)
