President dedicates maiden Ladakh visit to armed forces

Jammu, August 21

President Ram Nath Kovind today dedicated his maiden visit to Ladakh, the first outside Delhi since assuming office, to the armed forces of the country.

He also presented Colours to all five Ladakh Scouts battalions and the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre. The President said, “In capacity as the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, I dedicate the visit to the armed forces of the country.”

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He said it had been 54 years since the Ladakh Scouts became part of the Army. “This period has been replete with tales of heroism, honour and glory. The genesis of the regiment was in the invasion by Pakistani raiders in 1947-48 and the resolve with which Ladakhis defended their motherland. This continues to remain a matter of pride for the entire country,” he said.

The President said in little over half a century, the regiment has earned 605 honours and awards for conspicuous gallantry and distinguished service. “This speaks for the exceptional valour and spirit of the regiment personnel and is a model for all soldiers and officers of the armed forces,” he added.

He said at the colour-presentation ceremony that he would like to pay homage to the martyrs of the Ladakh Scouts Regiment. “Their blood and sacrifice has secured our sovereignty, brought glory to our nation and protected our people from harm,” he said.

Among the dignitaries present were Governor NN Vohra, CM Mehbooba Mufti, Deputy CM Nirmal Kumar Singh, other ministers and Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat.

The President also released a documentary on Col Sonam Wangchuk, a recipient of Maha Vir Chakra.

Later, he laid the foundation stone of the Buddha Park for World Peace at Leh’s Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre. — TNS