Rajouri (J&K),Octobor 9 (Vijay Kumar) – The President of India Pratibha Patil on Friday urged the troops to be vigilant and maintain a high degree of preparedness for meeting any eventualities along the border areas.
She was addressing to troops at Raina stadium in Rajouri district today.She also appreciated the role played by the army in providing help to civilians in the far-flung areas of the State. During her address, Pratibha Patil conveyed her gratitude to the families of all ranks, who sacrificed their lives for the defence of the nation. She also acknowledged the contribution of the families of Army personnel for providing the much needed support and motivation to the troops in discharging their duties under such difficult conditions.
Earlier in the day, the President visited troops in the forward areas, where she was briefed on the prevailing security situation. The President later addressed the troops at the Raina Stadium, Rajouri. During her address, the President lauded the role of the Indian Army in maintaining peace and tranquility in the region. She also praised the Army for their endeavours under Sadbhavana for improving the civil infrastructure, and in other socio economic spheres for the well being and advancement of the local populace.
The President was accompanied by the Honourable Governor of J and K, Shri NN Vohra, and the Honourable Chief Minister of J and K, Shri Omar Abdullah. General Deepak Kapoor, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General BS Jaswal, AVSM**, VSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command and Lieutenant General RK Swamy, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, 16 Corps were also present during the occasion.
The President was received at the Technical Airport by Governor N. N. Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Dy. Chief Minister Tara Chand and Cabinet Ministers– Minister for Industries and Commerce S.S. Slathia, Minister for Health Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for CA&PD & Transport, Qamar Ali Akhoon, Minister for Medical and Technical Education R. S. Chib, Minister for Revenue Raman Bhalla, Minister for Higher Education Abdul Gani Malik and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Cooperatives Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma besides Judges of J&K High Court namely Justice J. P. Singh, Justice Virinder Singh, Justice Mansoor Ahmed Mir and Justice M.H. Attar and senior civil , police and army officers including GOC-in-C Northern Command Lt. Gen. B. S. Jaswal, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Dr. Pawan Kotwal and IGP Jammu Zone .