The Hindu : National : President warns against border violation

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, May 24, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

National

National

President warns against border violation

Shujaat Bukhari

Praises the role of the Army in defending the borders

— Photo: AP

GETTING TO KNOW: In this handout photograph from Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Pratibha Patil inspects a weapon recovered from militants, near Tangdhar in Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday.

SRINAGAR: President Pratibha Patil on Friday lauded the role and sacrifices of the Army in defending the borders and said that any border violation would be strongly dealt with.

Ms. Patil, who arrived here on a five-day visit of the State, toured the forward areas in Tangdhar sector and paid a visit to Uri town near the Line of Control (LOC).

She also delivered the Second Convocation address of the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).

The President said the troops had always shown courage in fighting the enemies. Addressing a “Sainik Sammelan” at Baramulla, she said: “We will deal sternly with any kind of violation on our borders. When borders of a country are safe, the nations develop and progress.” Accompanied by Governor S.K. Sinha, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Army Chief Gen. Deepak Kapoor, Ms. Patil said all efforts were being made to upgrade the facilities of the armed forces so that they could perform their duties comfortably.

“We will provide you with modern equipment so that you are in a position to face the challenges,” she said, referring to the Army’s modernisation plan.

Praising the troops, she said the borders of the nation were safe in their hands. “It is because of your courage and hard work that the Indian Army is one of the greatest armies in the world.”

Maintaining that the Army had played a pivotal role in making “India a super power,” she lauded “Operation Sadbhavana,” aimed at providing facilities to the common people. “You have shown a way for the civilians to follow.”

The President struck an emotional chord with the soldiers when she said: “I am here as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, but I want to tell you that your mother and sister has come to bless you.” In Uri she was briefed by Army officers about the prevailing situation.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National

News Update

Stories in this Section