Soldiers serving at Siachen are close to my heart: Army Chief

Our Correspondent
Jammu, January 9

On his maiden visit to the world’s highest battlefield, Siachen, Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Thursday said “soldiers serving in Siachen are close to his heart” and they (soldiers) would be provided better facilities to make their life comfortable.

“My message to all soldiers serving here (Siachen) is that you are always in our prayers and thoughts. You might be far from us but you are close to our hearts,” General Naravane said during his first visit to Siachen.

General Naravane was accompanied by Lt-Gen YK Joshi, Chief of Staff, Headquarters, Northern Command, and Lt-Gen Harinder Singh, General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps. He was briefed on the operational readiness being maintained in the sector by Commander at Siachen Brigade.

“We are aware that everyone is operating here in very tough conditions, inhospitable terrain and weather. We are doing our best to make sure that whatever is required by the troops on ground is made available to them, be it clothing, better rations and facilities to make life comfortable,” General Naravane said.

General Naravane said, “It has always been my intention to come here immediately after taking over, but unfortunately the weather wasn’t excellent. But I am happy that I have been able to visit Siachen Brigade as the Chief of Army Staff.”

“This is strategically very important location at the very head of our defences and it is absolutely essential for us to remain ever-vigilant and in control of these strategic heights because they form the key to the rest of defences of Ladakh and rest of J&K,” he said.

Earlier, the General met and interacted with troops deployed at the forward posts in the Siachen sector and complimented them for their tenacity and high morale, despite the extreme challenges posed by inclement weather, difficult terrain and super high altitude conditions.

At the Siachen Base Camp, General Naravane laid a wreath at the iconic Siachen War Memorial in honour of all the brave Siachen warriors who have made the supreme sacrifice in the defence of the nation.