India
Updated : Dec 19, 2014, 11:43 AM IST
Before travelling to Srinagar to spend time with the flood-affected people on the festival of lights, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited Siachen. Modi spent some time with the soldiers posted on the heights of Siachen Glacier to send the message that all Indians stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them. He lavuishly praised the army for the work they do and said citizens can afford to spend Diwwali in peace due to their service.
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Minutes after the Prime Minister left the valley after a four-hour stay, political parties in the state quickly reacted to his announcement with National Conference spokesman terming it as a "big let down".
Asserting that the government stands with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in rehabilitation works, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced Rs. 570 crore for rebuilding homes in Kashmir and Rs. 175 crore for six major hospitals worst affected by the floods.
Prime Minister Modi, who met Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra at the Raj Bhavan here, also announced that books and notebooks would be provided to thousands of schoolchildren. Read More
In Srinagar, PM also met delegations of several parties.
In J&K the PM met a PDP delegation. pic.twitter.com/vivQ9JVqPn
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 23, 2014
NC delegation meeting PM @narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/NGeqB8z7Kk
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 23, 2014
A BJP delegation met PM @narendramodi in J&K. pic.twitter.com/RjOWch5X0a
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 23, 2014
Food and grain merchants association and NGOs met PM @narendramodi during his J&K visit. pic.twitter.com/F6MCYFlqoV
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 23, 2014
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Srinagar to spend Diwali with flood affected people of Kashmir
Addressing our brave Jawans at Siachen Base Camp. pic.twitter.com/a8an1UvPPT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 23, 2014
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Siachen, greets jawans
PM Narendra Modi visited Siachen and greeted jawans on the occasion of Diwali. Modi tweeted, "From the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier and with the brave jawans and officers of the Armed Forces. I wish all of you a Happy Diwali. Perhaps this is the first time that a Prime Minister has got the wonderful opportunity of spending time with our jawans on this auspicious day of Diwali."
Earlier this morning, Modi tweeted, "Friends, I am leaving for Siachen Glacier. Its my good fortune that I will be able to spend time with our brave soldiers on this special day.
Friends, I am leaving for Siachen Glacier. Its my good fortune that I will be able to spend time with our brave soldiers on this special day
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 23, 2014
Paying tribute to thousands of soldiers, he further said, "Everyone is aware of the extreme conditions at Siachen. Overcoming every challenge our soldiers stand firm, protecting our Motherland. Be it the altitude or bitter cold, nothing deters our soldiers. They stand there, serving our nation. They make us truly proud.
"After the Siachen visit I will continue with my scheduled visit to Srinagar to spend time with those affected due to the recent floods," he added.
Read more: A group of flood victims demand meeting with PM Narendra Modi
Security has been beefed up across the Valley as separatists called for a general strike against the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Also Read: Pakistan violates ceasefire along International Border ahead of PM Narendra Modi's Srinagar visit
Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in strength and are conducting random checking of vehicles at dozens of places in the city and elsewhere, a senior police officer said.
Also Read: Partial response in Jammu and Kashmir to strike call against PM Narendra Modi visit
Special checking points have been set up at various places in the city including entry and exit points as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.
Many flood victims feel that Modi's visit will not be just symbolic and that he will announce a comprehensive package from Centre to rebuild their lives. Two factions of Hurriyat Conference have called for a general strike and peaceful protests against the visit of the Prime Minister.
Also read: PM Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir should not be politicized, says Majid Memon
Thousands of people rendered homeless by the deluge in Jammu and Kashmir last month are pinning their hopes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Diwali visit to the Valley, expecting him to announce a substantial package that can help them rebuild their homes before the onset of winter.