Jaisalmer:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid tribute to soldiers and their scarifies as he spent Diwali with soldiers at Longewala in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer. Spending Diwali today with soldiers is a tradition PM Modi has followed every year since he came to power in 2014.
“India has long borders with several nations, but if there is one border post whose name is known by every Indian, it is Longewala. The Battle of Longewala is one that every Indian knows about and the saying ‘Jo bole so nihaal, sat sri akaal‘ comes to mind every time we think about it,” PM Modi said, addressing the soldiers.
Next year marks 50 years since the Battle of Longewala during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
The Prime Minister’s visit comes a day after eleven people including five soldiers were killed in ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops in several areas in north Jammu and Kashmir.
“Some people may wonder why Modi-ji goes to meet soldiers year after year on Diwali. But tell me one thing, Diwali is a festival we celebrate with family, and with those we call our own… so each year, I spend time with you all, because you all are my own, my family,” PM Modi said, thanking the soldiers on behalf of the rest of the country.
“I bring sweets for you all today. But these are not just from me. It is from all 130 crore Indians.”
Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, Army Chief MM Narvane and Border Security Force (BSF) Director General Rakesh Asthana accompanied the Prime Minister to Jaisalmer.
