PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the valour, sacrifice and unwavering dedication exhibited by our soldiers in Operation Sindoor will continue to inspire the future generations of the country.
He was addressing a programme, ‘Ek Samvad: Veer Sainikon Ke Saath’ at Doon Sainik Institute in Garhi Cantt on Friday.
The CM said that on April 22, terrorists shocked the country and the world by killing innocent tourists in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir. In response to this our country launched Operation Sindoor, on May 7. Our forces destroyed nine major terrorist bases, in which more than 100 terrorists were killed. The CM said that this decisive action against terrorism was successfully carried out due to the strong leadership and clear policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said that under the leadership of PM Modi, the morale of our soldiers is sky high and the army is being equipped with the latest technology and weapons. Dhami said that an immediate decision to cancel the Indus water treaty was taken after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
He said that the government has taken many important decisions are being taken in the interest of the soldiers. One rank-one pension, construction of National War Memorial, increase in defence budget and strengthening of infrastructure in border areas have been done.
Dhami averred that the State government is committed to the welfare of soldiers and their families. The ex-gratia amount given to the dependents of the martyrs has been increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. The lump sum and annuity amount given to the soldiers decorated with all the gallantry awards has also been increased. He said that the State government has taken a decision to provide government job to one member of the family of the martyrs. Free travel in government buses is being provided to the gallantry award winners and ex-servicemen in the State. Dhami said that 25 per cent discount in stamp duty is also being provided to the serving and ex-servicemen on the purchase of property. He said that a majestic and grand war memorial is being constructed at Guniyalgaon in Dehradun.
The Soldier Welfare minister Ganesh Joshi said that Uttarakhand is the land of heroes and patriots. He said that every fifth soldier who defends the country is from Uttarakhand. Joshi said that in every war the Indian Army had given a befitting reply to Pakistan. He said that terrorism cannot scare India now, now India knows how to enter the stronghold of terror and eliminate it.
Secretary Deependra Chaudhary, station commander RS Thapa, Director Sainik Welfare Brigadier (retd) Amrit Lal, MD of UPNL Brigadier (retd) JNS Bisht and many veterans attended the programme.
