Ready to face any challenge: Army

SRINAGAR, Jan 13:
Paying rich tribues to soldiers who made supreme sacrifices in upholding the integrity of the country, a senior Army Officer said soldiers guarding the Line of Control (LoC) or in the hinterland are ready to face any challenge.
“Our soldiers have always displayed outstanding courage, valour discipline and highest moral while braving the harsh weather, enemy firing or fighting terrorists,” Major General Rajesh Arya, Chief of the Staff (COS) said.
He was speking on 98th raising day of the Corps at Badami Bagh Cantonment, where Lt Gen K T Parnaik, GOC-in-C Northern Command and Lt Gen Om Prakash, GOC Chinar Corps paid floral tribute at the War Memorial.
Maj General Arya conveyed his greetings and best wishes to all ranks of the Corps and the local civil persons who have ever been part of the Corps.
He paid rich tributes to the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice beyond the call of duty, in the service of the Nation.
“I am confident the zeal, spirit and motivation will go down in the history of Indian Army and the Kashmir valley in particular, for ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity.” he said.
He exhorted all to maintain the highest levels of operational readiness, while rededicating themselves towards achieving their goals.
In the message to the awam of Kashmir, the GOC said last year proved to be watershed in terms of stability and economic prosperity in the Kashmir valley.
“The secure environment in year 2012 has resulted in the transformation towards ushering in peace, stability and economic development for which each and every soldier & civilian of Chinar Corps, the other Security Forces, awam and media have immensely contributed,” Lt General Prakash said.
Lt General Prakash reiterated that as always the Corps would remain committed towards maintaining and sustaining ‘peace’ and harmony in the Valley.
He thanked the awam for standing shoulder to shoulder with Army and cooperating in all the spheres of Chinar Corps endeavours.
He wished the Awam a very peaceful and prosperous year ahead.
Raised on January 12, 1916 at Port Said, Egypt, the Chinar Corps has seen active operations during World War I & II and wars with Pakistan in 1965, 1971 and the Kargil Conflict in 1999, winning accolades and laurels for the country.
Interestingly, the history of the Corps is inextricably linked with the post 1947, history of Jammu and Kashmir.
Besides steadfastly guarding the borders, the Chinar Corps has been at the forefront in fighting against the ongoing Proxy War in the Valley and committed towards bringing peace and normalcy in the State.
Notwithstanding the operational commitments, the troops of Chinar Corps, with the whole hearted support of the Awam and in conjunction with the State Administration, has undertaken a large number of development projects in the Valley through its ‘Sadbhavana’ schemes.
Initiatives towards ameliorating the general condition of the people in far flung areas of Valley and boosting the infrastructure in the under developed areas, severely affected by militancy, brought Army closer to the awam.
Through a series of events were organised at Headquarter Chinar Corps to pay homage and to honour the warriors who made supreme sacrifice in upholding the integrity of the country and security of the people of Kashmir. (UNI)