India safe as long as its brave soldiers stand guard at borders: Modi to security forces on Diwali
Lepcha (HP), Nov 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said security forces have a big role in maintaining peace and keeping India's borders safe at a time of rising global expectations from the country, as he flew to Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh to spend his Diwali with soldiers.
Keeping with his annual practice of spending time with personnel of the armed forces on Diwali, Modi also asserted that India is fast emerging as a big global player in the defence sector and the capabilities of its security forces are constantly rising.
Global circumstances are such that the expectations from India are also constantly rising, the prime minister said.
"At such an important time, it is necessary that India's borders are protected and there is an environment of peace in the country, and you have a big role in this," Modi, dressed in Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) fatigues, said.
"India is protected till the time my bravehearts are standing on the borders, unflinching as the Himalayas," the prime minister said. He added that after independence, "these bravehearts (Army personnel) fought so many wars and won the country's heart...Our jawans have snatched victory in the face of challenges".
"It is said that 'parv' is where the 'parivaar' is. On festivals, being away from the family and deployed on the borders exemplifies the commitment to duty. The country is indebted to you," Modi told soldiers.
"Therefore, on Diwali, one 'diya' is for your safety, and in every prayer, people wish for your safety," the prime minister said, noting that for 30-35 years he has been travelling to border areas on Diwali to celebrate the festival with soldiers.
Modi noted that he has been doing it since long before he was either prime minister or chief minister. "The place where jawans are posted is no less than any temple for me. Wherever you are, my festival is there," he said.
India's soldiers have always walked ahead, risking their lives, and have always proven that they are the "strongest wall" at the borders, he said.
"For me, a place where our security forces are deployed is no less than a temple," Modi said.
The prime minister also hailed the role played by the armed forces in evacuations from violence-hit areas, and saving lives in earthquake-hit areas and during other calamities.
"When we had to pull out people from Sudan, India's bravehearts completed the mission with courage. When there was an earthquake in Turkiye, they risked their lives to save people," Modi said.
Wherever Indians are in danger, security forces are always committed to ensuring their safety, he asserted. "We are proud of our forces and soldiers," Modi added.
The prime minister also listed the achievements in the last one year since the last Diwali and mentioned the Chandrayaan landing, Aditya L1, test related to Gaganyaan, indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, Tumkur helicopter factory, Vibrant Village campaign and sporting achievements.
Highlighting global and democratic gains India made in the last one year, Modi also listed the inauguration of the new Parliament building, passage of the Narishakti Vandan Adhiniyam (women's reservation bill), organising the G20, biofuel alliance, preeminence in real-time payment in the world, crossing USD 400 billion in exports, becoming the fifth biggest economy of the world and strides in 5G roll out.
"The past year is a milestone year in nation building," Modi said.
He also pointed out that India made great strides in infrastructure development and became the country with the world's second largest road network and longest river cruise service.
The prime minister also highlighted the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor decision, two world-class convention centres in Delhi - Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi being opened and India becoming the country with the highest number of universities.
Noting that India has created possibilities from its struggles, Modi said that the nation has now stepped on the path of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
He highlighted India's unprecedented growth in the defence sector and its emergence as a global player, and said that the strength of India's armies and security forces is continuously increasing.
He recalled how the nation was dependent on others for the smallest needs earlier, while it is meeting the needs of friendly nations today.
Modi said India's defence exports have increased more than eight times since his visit to the region in 2016 to celebrate Diwali with soldiers.
"Defence production worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore is taking place in the country today. This is a record in itself," he added.
"Today, indigenous resources and top-class border infrastructure are also becoming our strength. And, I am happy that Narishakti is also playing a big role in this," Prime Minister Modi said.
He pointed out the commissioning of 500 women officers during the past year, women pilots flying Rafale fighter jets and the posting of women officers on warships.
The prime minister also said that every step by the armed forces determines the direction of history. He expressed confidence that the armed forces will continue to serve Mother India with the same determination.
"With your support, the nation will continue to touch new heights of development. Together we will fulfil every resolution of the country," he said.
"I wish the people of the country from the last village, which I call the first, where I am celebrating Diwali with security forces. The greetings on Diwali from here are special," the prime minister said.
The prime minister arrived in Lepcha in the morning to celebrate Diwali with security forces. He shared photographs of his interaction with soldiers. Modi was seen offering them sweets.
In his post on X, Modi said, "Spending Diwali with our brave security forces in Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh, has been an experience filled with deep emotion and pride."
"Away from their families, these guardians of our nation illuminate our lives with their dedication," he said.
"The courage of our security forces is unwavering. Stationed in the toughest terrains, away from their loved ones, their sacrifice and dedication keep us safe and secure," the prime minister added.
India will always be grateful to these heroes who are the perfect embodiment of bravery and resilience, Modi said in another post.
Since coming to power in 2014, Modi has been visiting military facilities to celebrate Diwali.
In 2014, the prime minister celebrated the festival of lights with soldiers at the Siachen Glacier. In the following year, on the 50th anniversary of the 1965 war with Pakistan, Modi visited three memorials in Punjab where the Indian armed forces had fought pitched battles that proved to be key to the country's victory.
In 2016, the prime minister travelled to Himachal Pradesh to meet the personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the Dogra Scouts and the Army at Sumdoh near the China border. In 2017, Modi was in the Gurez sector in north Kashmir, while in 2018, he celebrated Diwali in Harsil, Uttarakhand, which was followed by a visit to Kedarnath.
After being re-elected to the high office in 2019, Modi celebrated Diwali in Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir. In 2020, he was at a border post of Longewala on Diwali and in 2021, he celebrated the festival with soldiers in Nowshera. The prime minister celebrated Diwali with the armed forces in Kargil last year.
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Saif Ali Khan's attacker allegedly surveyed Shah Rukh Khan's residence Mannat
Mumbai: Mumbai Police have uncovered a startling detail in the case of Saif Ali Khan's stabbing, suspecting that the attacker surveyed Shah Rukh Khan's Bandra residence, Mannat, two days prior to the incident.
According to police sources, suspicious activity was observed near Mannat on January 14. An individual was reportedly seen using a 6-8 foot iron ladder to access the retreat house adjacent to Mannat. Following this revelation, police visited Shah Rukh Khan's residence for further investigation.
In connection with Saif's stabbing case, the prime suspect was detained on Friday, January 17, and is being questioned at Bandra police station. CCTV footage released on Thursday shows the attacker carrying a backpack and walking through a fire exit.
The attack occurred at Saif Ali Khan's Bandra residence during the early hours of Thursday. The intruder reportedly attempted burglary and attacked Saif when he intervened to protect his family and house help. Following surgery, Saif is now recovering under medical supervision.
The investigation is ongoing.
