Lieutenant Governor of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir underscored the pivotal role of the armed forces in quelling terrorism and establishing a secure milieu for the populace during a customary Armed Forces flag-pinning ceremony. LG emphasised the collective duty to support the families of martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. The UT of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh transcend conventional categorization due to their unique geopolitical context. The extensive borders shared with two nuclear adversaries introduce a complex reality replete with discernible and imperceptible factors that necessitate meticulous consideration when scrutinising the indispensable role of the armed forces in the region.
In the nascent years of independence, the valorous endeavours of the Indian armed forces emerged as the bulwark against potential threats, thwarting incursions from Pakistan and tribal onslaughts in 1947. The simmering tensions persist, akin to the conditions prevalent seven decades ago, with the razor-cut bleeding of the India doctrine, relentlessly adhered to by Pakistan. The volatile borders, resonating with the cacophony of gunfire and shelling, have witnessed intermittent halts, but the armed forces remain on perpetual high alert. Despite the implementation of IB fencing, the nefarious enemy continues to innovate, employing tunnels and now drones for clandestine arms smuggling and infiltration. The prospect of rendering borders impervious to infiltration proves an arduous task given the myriad routes and methods at the adversary’s disposal. Nevertheless, the armed forces have admirably curtailed hostile activities.
Internally, the challenges have been equally formidable. The persistent secessionist movements in Kashmir have compounded the complexities. An undeclared Kargil war, and incessant daily skirmishes have exacted a heavy toll on the armed forces. The tumultuous post-mid-eighties period stands as a grim reminder of the ruthless tactics employed by terrorists at the behest of Pakistan. Massacres in urban centres and remote villages placed the army in a perpetual state of readiness to quell terrorist activities. The professional acumen of the armed forces is evident through innovative strategies, including the establishment of specific battalions such as the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) to combat terrorism effectively. The army’s unwavering presence in the treacherous terrain of the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield, endures amid hostile weather conditions and bone-chilling temperatures.
The recent addition to the array of challenges is China’s expansionist agenda. The gallant display of heroism by army personnel in the Galwan Valley reassured the safeguarding of Indian interests. The sacrifices made by these soldiers, not only in battle but also against the harsh terrain and avalanches, must be eternally acknowledged. Women in army are not far behind as Colonel Geeta Rana’s is CO of an independent field workshop in the Eastern Ladakh sector, a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman officer to hold such a position. Likewise, Lieutenant Rekha Singh’s is stationed at a frontline base along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, echoes her commitment, even as her husband made the supreme sacrifice during the Galwan clashes.
The logistical challenges of sustaining operations at forward bases and maintaining unwavering vigilance demand Herculean efforts. The appeal by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to wholeheartedly support the families of martyrs is not just a call to financial assistance but a plea to stand in solidarity with those who have sacrificed their kin for the nation. The armed forces have initiated various schemes encompassing financial aid, scholarships, reserved seats in professional colleges, and assistance in marriages to alleviate the burdens borne by the families of martyrs. Every citizen is implored to contribute generously, recognising that even the smallest effort or contribution resonates profoundly. Each step taken in support of these families is embraced with wholehearted gratitude, underscoring the collective responsibility to stand with those who safeguard the nation’s security and integrity.
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