Address to the Troops

Siachen Glacier is a National Asset

I would like to convey the nation’s greetings to you and best wishes and our sincere appreciation for the excellent work in providing security for the Siachen Sector and thereby protecting the sovereignty of the nation. This peak symbolizes the will, determination, courage and perseverance of the people of India. When you are in the highest altitude battlefield of the world, it is important that technology and management have to be integrated to contribute towards ensuring instant response for the supply of light weight winter clothing, high calorie lightweight emergency ration pack, lightweight reconnaissance equipment and powerful weaponry. In all cases, the quality and just in time supply to soldiers have to be assured.

Kumar - the battlefield

Today, when I am in Kumar, I realize this is the place from where many courageous battles have been fought and won. Also, I recall my visit to this post on the 17th of April 1998. Siachen glacier has geo-strategic importance as the POK on one side and the Aksai Chin on the other side. The Glaciers are great water reservoirs. Protecting the Glacier is a very important mission as they are our water resources and also is of strategic importance.

I was studying the conditions of our troops in Kumar. You live in this place for three months. During this period you are not only required to defend the territory but also defend yourself against extreme weather conditions. When I came here in 1998, from then on to now, I see an important change. The mountain meteorology programme has resulted in the installation of a number of automatic weather stations connected to a central hub. With the data available from these stations, efforts are on to improve the avalanche forecast accuracy considerably. It is essential that the troops follow the avalanche forecast strictly to ensure their safe movement.

Combat Performance

It is well known that you belong to ninth battalion of Sikh LI, which has participated in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Operation Rakshak, Operation Vijay, Operation Parakram and now in Operation Meghdooth. You have gained battle experience in both the Line Of Control and counter insurgency operations in different sectors. Your combat performance has been well recognized and has led to a number of honors and awards during the last four decades of your operational career. Dear friends in Kumar, I would like to congratulate you for your valour.

Challenges in the Mountain warfare

When I am here with you, I see everywhere white and white, whereas you are all longing to see the green. In spite of this setting, when I see you, you all look very smart, you look combat ready and through gracious smile in your faces you look winning. When I see you here, I realize that you are the greatest asset ready for warfare at the highest mountain warfare point in the world. Your inspiration spreads through from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, from Imphal to Jaisalmer, Lakshedweep to Anadaman Nicobar Islands and in fact every part of the country.

I am very happy to see you all well-equipped, well protected from extreme weather conditions. Particularly, I would recommend the use of thermally controlled shoes and gloves to avoid frostbite. I realize, when I am with you in Kumar at an altitude of 4800 meters, your posts are spread in Siachen sector at much greater heights, which you have to walk and reach after toiling for many days. Since the movement is by walk in such a difficult environment, crevasses are your greatest problems. Certainly, technology can come to your rescue in detecting the crevasses well ahead on your path.

Glacier is our resource

In Siachen sector, you have two important rivers Shyok and Nubra, its tributary. Dear friends, you are doing a beautiful task for the nation. It is beautiful, because you are defending India’s territory, it is beautiful, because your inspired minds and physique always exhibit courage to face any type of weather conditions, any type of snow and any type of windy conditions, all your posts are ever vigilant.

Conclusion

You are in an important mission, when the nation sleeps during night, you are all awake all the time, awake to make us secure so that we can work for the development of the nation. I can assure you that you are in the minds of billion people; we cherish your valour, your commitment and your devotion. Even at freezing temperature you reveal that you are ready for combat. With your cheerfulness you communicate tremendous hope to the nation. The way you conduct yourself with discipline, smartness and toughness; definitely you are a terror to our adversaries. You are the icon of our country- declaring to the world – from the top of the world – that we Indians are next to no one when it comes to protecting our land and when it comes to making our nation secure and prosperous. You are the fountain of encouragement to all our youth to stay together and to make sacrifice to build a developed India.

I wish you all the best and your families who live in far away places, I am sure you are connected.

May God Bless You.