SRINAGAR: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday assured that “not an inch of our land can be taken by any power in the world” as he arrived at Leh on Friday morning on a two-day visit to Ladakh and Kashmir Valley.
An official spokesman said that Singh was accompanied by General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and General MM Naravane, Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
He said that on arrival at Leh, he was received by Lieutenant General YK Joshi, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command and Lieutenant General Harinder Singh, General Officer Commanding, Fire & Fury Corps.
At Leh, according to spokesman the Singh witnessed a High Altitude Joint Airborne Exercise by integrated troops of all arms and services.
“Thereafter, he visited a forward location in Eastern Ladakh, where he was briefed on the security situation and operational preparedness along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh as well as along the Line of Control in Kargil and Dras sectors,” he said.
The spokesman said interacting with commanders and troops, Rajnath Singh said, “I want to assure you that not an inch of our land can be taken by any power in the world.”
He further complimented the troops for the high standards of professionalism and devotion to duty displayed by them even in these challenging circumstances. Assuring soldiers of the Nation’s support, the defence minister exhorted all ranks to remain vigilant and maintain a high order of operational readiness. He also interacted with Air Warriors at the Air Force Station Leh.
According to the spokesman, the defence minister accompanied by the CDS and the COAS left for Srinagar in the afternoon, where they were received by Lieutenant General BS Raju, Chinar Corps Commander.
The minister was briefed in detail about the situation on the Line of Control, in the hinterland and successful counter militant operations.
He said that the country was proud of the valour and patriotic spirit of the soldiers. He urged all to continue to work hard to ensure security both on the Line of Control and in the hinterland.
He also impressed upon the commanders to maintain strict vigil along the Line of Control and remain prepared to give a befitting reply to any misadventure by the adversary.
Later in the evening, the defence minister chaired a high-level Security Review meeting which was attended by the Lieutenant Governor, UT of J&K, CDS, COAS, GOC-in-C Northern Command, Chief Secretary, DGP JKP, officials from the Security Forces, Civil Administration and Intelligence agencies.
The minister complimented everyone for great synergy and close coordination amongst the security forces and government agencies towards bringing back normalcy in the region and lauded their work in ensuring peace and security in J&K, said an official spokesman in a statement.
