Leh, Nov 19: Stating that India is no longer a weak nation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that anyone who eyes at India will get a befitting response
Rajnath Singh inaugurates the war memorial in Leh. He was accompanied by chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Bipin Rawat, Member Parliament (MP) Ladakh Jamyang Namgyal, and vice chief of army staff (VCOAS) YK Joshi besides other top army officers.
Addressing the gathering on the sidelines of the inaugural ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that this war memorial Rezang La was completed with the contribution of all including the Ladakh administration and the army as it was proposed during his (Defence Minister) visit to the region in June this year.
“My eyes are full of tears after witnessing these scenes here. Our army men have laid down their lives for this nation to protect its sovereignty and integrity. Not only were they brave enough to fight but are capable and courageous as well,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister said the Indian army fought bravely and defeated the Chinese army.
He stated that he will visit the war memorial after every year until the day he serves as the Defence Minister of India to pay tribute to those who laid their lives protecting this nation.
“No power in the world can raise an eye on India and in case any strong response will be given, the nation is proud of its army,” Singh said.
“We have never called a war on any country across the world nor have ever encroached an inch of land belonging to any other country,” he said. “India is no longer a weak nation but it has grown as a strong nation. No one can get away after eyeing India without getting a befitting response”.
“We will strive hard to save every inch of land belonging to India”, he said.
Praising the civilian population of the area, Singh said that they have always stood next to the army whenever the need arose and they all are the strategic asset in the border areas.
He praised the contribution of civilians and appreciated them for their bond with the army
He paid tributes to 1962 war heroes and remembered them besides praising their parents and their will and contribution.
Notably, on 18 November in 1962, 114 Indian soldiers died defending their position at Rezang La and prevented the Chinese army from moving towards Leh in the Ladakh region.
