Defence Minister visits forward post, lauds soldiers

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 18

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday visited a forward post near the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district where he lauded the soldiers for ensuring peace and security in Kashmir.

Rajnath Singh was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, who briefed him about the situation along the LoC. His trip to the forward post came on the second day of his visit to Kashmir and Ladakh.

“The minister reviewed the situation on the LoC at North Hill in the Keran Sector. He interacted with troops and appreciated their dedication towards the nation,” an Army statement said.

“Visited a forward post near the LoC in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir today and interacted with soldiers deployed there. We are extremely proud of these brave and courageous soldiers who are defending our country in every situation,” the Defence Minister tweeted.

In the presence of Singh, the soldiers of the Khalsa paltan at the LoC raised their battle cry “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal”. The Defence Minister posted the video on Twitter.

In last one week the Army has foiled two infiltration bids in Kupwara and a senior Army officer had recently said launch pads across the LoC were full and about 200 to 250 militants are waiting to infiltrate to this side. The LoC along the Kupwara has also been witnessing frequent ceasefire violations.

Earlier in the day, Singh visited the holy cave of Amarnath and offered his prayers at the place.