Valour of siachen troops makes us confident about border safety: president

Srinagar, May 10 (IANS) President Ram Nath Kovind on Thrusday flew to the world's highest battle field to address soldiers posted at the Siachen glacier, sometimes also referred to as

the "Third Pole" where temperatures can dip to minus 50 degrees Celsius. Kovind, also the Supreme Commander of Indian armed forces, addressed the soldiers at the nearly 6,000-metre

high mountain glacier where the Line of Control (LoC) -- the de facto border -- between India and Pakistan ends. He was accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and Lt.Gen. D. Anbu,

who heads the army's Northern Command. He told the soldiers that as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and as the President of India, he was "carrying the gratitude of the

entire country" for them for their bravery and valour they have shown in protecting the nation's border even at such inhospitable and extreme weather conditions. "Siachen is

the world's highest battlefield and it is difficult to live even a normal life in the extreme climate. In such a situation, it is extraordinary for soldiers to stay in a state of

constant mobilisation and combat readiness," he said, according to a statement from the President's office. He said the "determination and dedication is worthy of the highest

praise and their allegiance to the defence of India is an ideal for all our fellow citizens". "The bravery and valour of soldiers deployed in Siachen over the past 34 years has

given every Indian the confidence that our borders are safe and secure." He told the troops posted there that all citizens of India and the government were always with them and

supportive of their families. Kovind is the first President to visit the camp since the then President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam flew there in 2004. After arriving at Thoise airfield in Nubra

Valley of Ladakh, he flew to Siachen and undertook an aerial survey of the glacier. He also interacted with troops at one of the forward posts of Siachen glacier. This was followed by his

visit to the base camp where the President laid a wreath at the 'Siachen War Memorial' in memory of 11,000 soldiers and officers killed since the Indian Army began Operation

Meghdoot on the Siachen glacier on April 13, 1984. (This story was auto-published from a syndicated feed. No part of the story has been edited by THE QUINT.)