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PM attacks Pakistan for supporting terrorism/proxy war against India.
=World’s highest tunnel; Witnesses 1st blast of strategic Shinkun La tunnel project.
=Agnipath scheme to increase the country’s strength & will get capable youth: the PM.
=”Kargil’s victory was not a victory of any government/party.Victory belongs to the Country: PM
RAJOURI/DELHI JULY 26:-On 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26,2024, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi paid homage at Kargil War Memorial in Dras (Ladakh) to the bravehearts, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
The PM attended the Shraddhanjali Samaroh & heard the Gaurav Gatha: Briefing on Kargil War by NCOs and visited Amar Sansmaran: Hut of Remembrance & also visited the Veer Bhoomi.
The Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations, graced by the Prime Minister at Dras, was also attended by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Brig (Dr) B D Sharma (Retd), Raksha Rajya Mantri, Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three Service Chiefs, veterans and Veer Naris.
The Prime Minister also witnessed the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel Project in Ladakh, virtually.
Shinkun La Tunnel Project-highest in the world- consists of a 4.1 km long Twin-Tube tunnel to be constructed at around 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh.
The tunnel will not only ensure swift and efficient movement of our armed forces and equipment but also foster economic and social development in Ladakh.
“Glorious land of Ladakh is witness to the 25th year anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas which hiii reminds us that the sacrifices made for the nation are immortal”, PM Modi remarked.
He said lives laid down to protect the country can’t be erased with the passing of months, years, decades, & centuries.
“The nation is forever indebted and deeply grateful to the mighty superheroes of our armed forces”, he added.
“I salute the brave sons of the country who made the supreme sacrifice to protect the motherland by carrying out a difficult operation at such a height,” PM said while remembering his presence as an eyewitness.
“In Kargil, we not only won the war, but we also presented an incredible example of ‘truth, restraint and strength’ ‘, the PM said. “Falsehood and terror were brought down to their knees by truth”, he added when referring to Pakistan.
Pakistan has not learnt anything from its past and has continued to wage war in the garb of terrorism and proxy wars to stay relevant. the nefarious intentions of terrorists will never be fulfilled. Our bravehearts will trample all the terror attempts,” said PM Narendra Modi.
While referring to development of the country be it Ladakh or J&K, PM Modi said.
“In a few days from now (5th of August) the abrogation of Article 370 will complete 5 years and the J&K of today is talking about a new future full of dreams. Successful holding of G20 meetings in the UT, government’s focus on infrastructure development and tourism, cinema halls opening, and tazia procession being initiated after three and a half decades are few examples. This heaven on earth is swiftly moving in the direction of peace and prosperity”, the Prime Minister added.
Referring to development in Ladakh, PM said through Shinkun La Tunnel, the union territory will remain connected with the whole country throughout the year, in every season.
This tunnel will open doors of new possibilities for the development and better future of Ladakh. This tunnel will further make their lives easier as the numerous hardships faced by them due to the region’s extreme weather will be eased,”said the PM.
The Prime Minister recalled his personal efforts for the safe evacuation of citizens from the Kargil region from Iran during the Covid-19 pandemic & a quarantine zone being established in Jaisalmer where they were tested before being sent to Ladakh.
The PM said that the union budget has been increased from Rs 1000 cr to 6000 cr for better services to the people of Ladakh.
Upcoming Sindhu Central University for quality higher education for the youth of Ladakh, work to establish a 4G network in the entire Ladakh region, and ongoing work for 13-kilometer long Zojila tunnel for all-weather connectivity on NH 1, implementation of JJM are few examples, he added.
Referring to Border Road Organization (BRO), PM said that BRO has completed more than 330 projects including Sela Tunnel, showcasing New INdia’s capabilities and direction.
Emphasizing the importance of upgrading military technologies, the Prime Minister said in the changing global scenarios, our defence force needs the latest weapons and equipment along with a modern working style and arrangements.
“In the last 10 years, Defence reforms have been prioritized, making our forces more capable and self-reliant, today a major stake in defence procurement is being given to the Indian defence industry, adding that 25 per cent has been reserved for the private sector in the defence and research development budget,” said the PM.
“As a result of these efforts, India’s defence production has crossed 1.5 lakh crore. India is making its mark as an arms exporter as well, contrary to its past image of a country that was counted as an arms-importing one. Our force has now decided to stop importing more than 5000 weapons and military equipment,” said the PM.
PM Modi has lauded the defence forces for the reforms in the defence sector &
dwelled at length on Agnipath Scheme as one of the crucial reforms.
“Purpose of Agnipath is to keep forces young and continuously battle-ready”, the Prime Minister asserted, lamenting the blatant politicization of this sensitive subject.
While criticising the past scams and past unwillingness for the modernization of the Air Force Fleet the PM Modi said: “The truth is that the Agnipath scheme will increase the strength of the country and the country will also get capable youth. Announcements have been made to give priority to Agniveers in the private sector and paramilitary forces as well”.
Rejecting the propaganda about the intention of saving pension burden as the main reason behind Agnipath Scheme, the PM said: Pension burden of the soldiers being recruited today will come up after 30 years, therefore, this can’t be the reason behind the scheme.
“We have respected this decision taken by the armed forces because for us the security of the country is more important than politics”, he added.
The Prime Minister pointed out that those misleading the youth of the nation today had no regard for the armed forces in the past.
Lambasting false promises made by past governments on One Rank One Pension, the Prime Minister underlined that it was the present government that implemented the scheme where ex-servicemen were given more than Rs 1.25 lakh crores.
“These are the same people who did not build a war memorial for the martyrs even after 7 decades of independence, did not provide enough bullet’bnproof jackets to our soldiers deployed on their btheirs and kept ignoring Kargil Vijay Diwas,” said the PM.
“The victory of Kargil was not the victory of any government or any party. This victory belongs to the country, this victory is the heritage of the country. This is a festival of pride and self-respect of the country.” said PM Narendra Modi.
Accompanied by Vice Chiefs of three Services and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid a wreath and paid homage to the bravehearts at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
Rajnath Singh in a post on X remembered the indomitable spirit and courage of the brave soldiers who fought valiantly in the Kargil war, stating that their unwavering commitment, valour and patriotism ensured that India remained safe and secure. The service and sacrifice of the soldiers will continue to inspire every Indian and future generations.
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