Lauds high morale of troops
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 9: Army chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane today reviewed operational readiness of the troops and their working in difficult terrain and supper high altitude conditions at Siachen Glacier, the highest battle field in the world located at the height of 18,875 feet from the sea level in Ladakh.
This was Gen Naravane’s first visit to any forward posts after assuming charge as the Army chief on December 31 from Gen Bipin Rawat, who has been posted as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Gen Naravane was accompanied by Lieutenant General Y K Joshi, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Northern Command and Lieutenant General Harinder Singh, General Officer Commanding, ‘Fire & Fury’ Corps, an official spokesperson said.
Gen Naravane was briefed on the operational readiness being maintained in the Sector by Commander, Siachen Brigade.
The Army chief also met and interacted with troops deployed at the forward posts in the Siachen Sector, complimenting them for their tenacity and high morale despite the extreme challenges posed by inclement weather, difficult terrain and super high altitude conditions.
“We are aware that everyone operating here (in Siachen Glacier) is in very tough condition, inhospitable terrain and weather. We are doing our best to make sure that whatever is required by the troops is made available to them including clothes and better rations,” the Army chief said.
Conveying best wishes and greetings for New Year to the Army soldiers, Gen Naravane said: “It’s always been my intention to come here (Siachen Glacier) on taking over but weather was not very good in first week of January. However, I’m happy that this is my first visit as the Chief of Army Staff,” Gen Naravane said.
Paying homage to the martyrs at the War Memorial at Siachen Glacier, the Army chief lauded all ranks of the Army for their tenacity and perseverance in challenging conditions. He laid a wreath at the iconic Siachen War Memorial in honour of all the brave Siachen Warriors who made the supreme sacrifice in the defence of nation.
Gen Naravane said the entire nation is proud of the soldiers deployed in Siachen, defending the territorial integrity of India.
He exhorted them to continue to discharge their duties with the same enthusiasm and zeal, and also assured them the full support of the country as well as the Army in carrying out their duties, the spokesperson said.
The Northern Command of the Indian Army is entrusted with manning the country’s borders with Pakistan and China.
Gen Naravane took charge as the Army chief from Gen Bipin Rawat on December 31 and this was his first visit to any forward posts in the country which indicated significance the Army attached to well being of the troops guarding the Indian frontiers in extreme tough weather conditions.
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