Narendra Modi addresses army officers and soldiers at a base camp during his visit to Siachen Glacier on Thursday.
IANS/Srinagar
Wrapped in thick woollens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew to the icy heights of Siachen Glacier in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday where he lauded the armed forces and promised a national memorial for Indian soldiers.
The Siachen halt marked the start of a visit to the state on the day of the Hindu festival Diwali where he later met victims of the recent floods - the most destructive in 50 years - at the Raj Bhavan, an event boycotted by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
"I am fortunate that as a servant of the nation, I got to see in what circumstances the soldiers have to live here," Modi said, addressing troops in Hindi in freezing temperature at the world's highest battlefield.
Dressed in battle fatigue woollen jackets, a red scarf and goggles to protect the eyes from blizzards, Modi promised to enforce a one-rank-one-pension scheme for the armed forces during his tenure.
"It is my duty to see that you and your family live in pride."
The Siachen conflict between India and Pakistan has reportedly claimed more than 2,000 lives on both sides since 1984, with most soldiers falling victim to inhospitable weather and altitude problems.
"Everyone is aware of the extreme conditions at Siachen. Overcoming every challenge our soldiers stand firm, protecting our motherland," Modi earlier tweeted.
"Be it the altitude or bitter cold, nothing deters our soldiers. They stand there, serving our nation. They make us truly proud."
He said he had "a message from each and every Indian to our soldiers: that we stand shoulder to shoulder with you...
"We realise how and in what difficult conditions you are deployed here."
From Siachen, Modi extended Diwali greetings to everyone -- including President Pranab Mukherjee, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
"Perhaps this is the first time a prime minister has got the wonderful opportunity of spending time with our jawans on this auspicious day... Am sure this would be among the most unique greetings Pranabda received."
Every Indian stands "shoulder to shoulder" with soldiers in Siachen, he said.
As Modi flew to Siachen, Pakistan Rangers fired at Indian paramilitary positions on the international border in Jammu region 365 km away while a strike called by separatists affected life in Srinagar.
A police officer told IANS that Pakistan Rangers fired at the Narain border post of the Border Security Force at Ramgar in Samba district. The firing started at 10.30 am.
"We sleep peacefully because you are awake night and day," Modi said in his speech. He added that all three wings of the armed forces -- army, air force and navy -- were the nation's pride.
"This is my first Diwali after becoming the prime minister... I am very happy to be with these bravehearts."Underlining that soldiers always helped people during disasters, Modi said he wanted to build a national war memorial for the military.
