Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Aug 21: President Ram Nath Kovind said today that country is proud of the Indian Army for protecting country’s honour and dignity in all times of crisis and hoped they would continue to do so. He added that the troops were working in toughest terrain and hostile weather conditions in Ladakh.
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Addressing troops after presenting President’s Colours to Ladakh Scouts and Regimental Centres in Leh this morning, the President referred to 1947-48, 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, 1965 war with China, `Operation Meghdoot’ in Siachen Glacier and several other such operations and said the troops have always come out with flying colours defending the country with high morale.
Disclosing that this was his first visit anywhere outside New Delhi after taking over as the President in July, Ram Nath Kovind said he was feeling immense pleasure to visit Jammu and Kashmir especially its beautiful town of Leh and was happy to be among the Army soldiers as he happened to be there Supreme Commander.
“Indian Army and the entire country is proud of you. You have taken pledge to defend the country and fulfilled it. You are the protectors of honour and dignity of the nation. In all the times of crises, you have pledged to defend the country and will continue to do that,” Kovind said addressing the soldiers of Ladakh Scouts and Regimental Centres.
He described the troops as “protectors of Himalayas.”
Governor NN Vohra, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat and several other Ministers, political leaders and bureaucrats received the President at Leh Airport and joined him in his first-ever address to the Army troops in Leh.
The President’s visit, though very brief and his address to the Army troops in Leh, is being seen as very significant to boost morale of the troops in the wake of prolonged standoff between India and China at Dokalam, the tri-junction among India, China and Bhutan and latest incident of incursion by People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China near Pangong lake in Ladakh, where Indian troops had forced the PLA personnel to retreat after brief scuffle.
The President’s visit is being seen as a big morale booster for the Army, which has been fighting rigged mountainous terrain, lack of infrastructure and hostile weather to man un-demarcated Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Eastern Ladakh.
“The fact that President, who happens to be the Supreme Commander of 3 Services (Army, Navy and Air Force) has chosen Leh for his first visit outside New Delhi, is quite significant,” sources said.
Kovind referred to the role of Army including Ladakh Scouts and Regimental Centre during 1947-48, 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan and 1962 war with China and lauded their bravery saying they had become an example for the entire country.
“The troops had given befitting reply to China during 1962 in Ladakh. They are known for their bravery and sacrifices,” he said and recalled that during 1971 war with Pakistan, the Army personnel of Ladakh Scouts got vacated 804 square kilometers area from Pakistan.
Kovind said: “be it the ‘Operation Vijay’ or ‘Operation Meghdoot’, the troops had been in forefront including at Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield in the world.
The President also referred to the history of Ladakh Scouts and Regimental Centres and described its troops as full of courage and bravery.
At the same time, Kovind also lauded the bravery shown by the people of Ladakh from time to time especially during the conflicts and major operations.
Earlier, the President presented Colours to all five battalions and the Regimental Centre of the Ladakh Scouts during his first official visit to Leh.
“In his capacity as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, he dedicated the visit to the armed forces of the country,” Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson Ashok Malik said in a statement.
The Presentation of Colours from the President is in recognition of the regimental flag and to commend the regiment for courage displayed during conflicts.
The President said it had been 54 years since the Ladakh Scouts became a part of the Indian Army.
“This period has been replete with tales of heroism, honour and glory. The genesis of the Regiment was in the invasion by Pakistani raiders in 1947-48 and the resolve with which Ladakhis defended their motherland. This continues to remain a matter of pride for the entire country,” he said.
Complimenting the Ladakh Scouts for 605 awards and honours for gallantry and distinguished services, the President said, “This speaks for the exceptional valour and spirit of the Regiment personnel and is a model for all soldiers and officers of our armed forces”.
He pointed out it had earned distinction in various wars and operations and excelled in sports, adventure pursuits and professional challenges.
The President said at the Colour Presentation Ceremony that he wished to pay homage to the martyrs of the Ladakh Scouts regiment.
“Their blood and sacrifice secured our sovereignty, brought glory to our nation and protected our people from harm,” he said.
He also congratulated all veterans and serving soldiers of the Regiment for their adherence to duty and professional conduct.
Ladakh Scouts was an affiliate of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry till 1999. During the Kargil war, the Ladakh Scouts displayed exemplary courage after which the then Army Chief, General V P Malik, moved a proposal for establishing it as a separate Regiment.
The President also released a documentary film on Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, MVC, produced by Somesh Saha and interacted with veterans and ‘Veer Naris’, besides gallantry awardees.
Later, he laid the foundation stone for the Buddha Park for World Peace at Leh’s Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre.
Earlier, on his arrival at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport Leh this morning, the President was accorded warm welcome by Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, Education Minister Sayeed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Minister for Public Works, Naeem Akhtar, Minister for Ladakh Affairs Chering Dorjey, Chief of Army Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Member Parliament Thupstan Tsewang, CEC LAHDC Leh Dr Sonam Dawa, Chief Secretary B B Vyas, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Rohit Kansal and other dignitaries.
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