New Delhi, October 31 (IANS). Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday celebrated Diwali with soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh’s border area Bumla, where they also had a brief encounter with Chinese troops on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
“Diwali with the brave soldiers on the border in Bumla, Arunachal Pradesh,” the Union Minister wrote on Instagram.
Rijiju, a resident of Arunachal Pradesh, also talked to Chinese soldiers for some time. Some Chinese soldiers also took their photographs.
The Union Minister also saw the conference room on the border where top commanders of both sides (India and China) hold talks.
He interacted with the Indian soldiers deployed on the border and encouraged them by celebrating the festival with them.
In a video posted on Twitter, he is saying, “PM Modi has been celebrating Diwali with the soldiers. And I have also been celebrating Diwali among the soldiers since 2014. If you are away from your family, then let us help you with your family.” Why should we celebrate the festival together? That’s why we have come to celebrate Diwali with you.”
He also left a marker with his name and the date of his visit at a specially designated point at the military post.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Prakash Parv with personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Army, Navy and Air Force in Sir Creek area of Kutch, Gujarat.
PM Modi extended festive cheer to the troops deployed at this remote and challenging location on the border and fed sweets to the personnel while attending the function at Lakki Nala near Sir Creek. This area is part of the creek channel of Sir Creek, which marks the beginning of the creek border with Pakistan.
Known for its marshy terrain, the location poses difficult challenges for patrolling operations and is under the vigilant surveillance of the BSF.
Sir Creek, a 96 km long disputed border area between India and Pakistan, has often been the focal point of infiltration attempts by drug smugglers.
BSF forces have consistently foiled these threats by eliminating smugglers and terrorists attempting to infiltrate from Pakistan. However, BSF forces, including their elite Crocodile Commandos, have consistently thwarted these threats to the security of Indian territory.
Sources said that during his visit, PM Modi appreciated the unwavering commitment of BSF soldiers to secure the country’s border in challenging circumstances.
The Prime Minister interacted with the soldiers, took stock of recent changes in their operational environment and discussed possible adjustments to ease their duties.
PM Modi closely inspected the creek area and spent about an hour with the soldiers before leaving for Bhuj. The visit is a part of his annual tradition of celebrating Diwali with soldiers deployed at border posts since 2014 – when he paid a surprise visit to the Siachen Glacier. This shows his respect for the contribution of the armed forces in the security of the country.
Last year, the Prime Minister had celebrated Diwali with soldiers in Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh, which is adjacent to the Chinese border.
–IANS
AKJ/