INDIA Pays Tribute To Indian Army & Para Military On Surgical Day

INDIA  led  by Prime Minister Narendra Modi  has paid warm tributes to the Armed forces to mark the second anniversary of surgical strikes when the Indian forces conducted raids against terrorist hideouts in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir  on September 28-29. Ahead of the second anniversary of the cross-LoC “surgical strikes” carried out on the terrorist launch pads, the Indian Army on Thursday released another video of the 2016 military operation showing it destroying three terrorist launch pads and killing terrorists in an ambush. In the video captured by drone-mounted cameras, the images of the three terrorist launch pads are shown before the Indian commandos destroy them with bombardment and firing. A fourth attack captured shows the Indian commandos eliminating five terrorists moving in file. The Government has decided to observe the attacks as “Parakram Parv” to commemorate the valour and sacrifice of the armed forces.A three-day main event during September 28-30 was organised at the India Gate lawns in the national Capital besides similar events at 53 locations in 51 cities across the country to “highlight the valour of the Indian armed forces in general and special forces in particular”. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the event on September 28 at the India Gate lawns. Movies and photographs depicting valour and courage of the armed forces were shown. Huge canvas/ digital signing walls for sending messages to the soldiers helped citizens connect with them. Letters addressed to soldiers by school children was also on display. The surgical strikes were in retaliation against Pakistan backed terrorists killing 19 Indian soldiers in an attack on an Army camp in Uri, Kashmir on September 18, 2016. Incidentally, this is the first time the raids were celebrated as “Parakaram Parv.” Fifty three locations in 51 cities are holding events to highlight the valour of Armed forces.Setting off celebrations, Modi inaugurated “Parakram Parv” exhibition at the military station in Jodhpur.  PM Modi  first signed a message paying homage to martyrs and went round  the exhibition on combat capabilities of the Indian Army.  He also paid floral tributes to martyrs at the Konark War Memorial there.  Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and three Services chiefs were present on the occasion. In the visitors’ book at the Konark War Memorial, Modi wrote that the country is proud of its Armed forces which are committed to the defence of the motherland. He paid homage to martyrs who made the “ultimate sacrifice” writing they will be a source of inspiration for generations. He attended Combined Commanders’ Conference at the Jodhpur Air Force Station. PM i discussed general and contemporary issues concerning the nation .The Prime Minister addresses the combined conference once a year. In New Delhi, Sitharaman inaugurated a three-day event cum exhibition on the India Gate lawns to mark the second anniversary of surgical strikes.   “Indian Armed forces that day proved to the world that there is a very clear way to show our strength that we will not tolerate terrorists entering and creating havoc or even think of creating havoc,” she said. Officials said the surgical strikes had strategic ramifications and were aimed to dissuade inimical adversary from adopting the path of violence and to ensure an environment of peace for the nation. The main event in the national Capital showcased the events highlighting valour of Indian Armed Forces in general and Special Forces in particular. Commandos of the Special Forces were in the forefront of the surgical strikes. The programme started with bugle call at 1830 hrs, thereafter, movies and photographs depicting courage of the Armed Forces were shown. Huge canvas/digital signing walls for sending messages to the soldiers are put up as it will help citizens connect with them. Letters addressed to soldiers by school children were on the display. Military equipment like artillery guns and small arms were on display. Famous singer Kailash Kher sang besides there was  performances by the Military band. In Jammu, IAF began a two-day static display of military assets on Friday to commemorate the day and the 86th anniversary celebration of the IAF. Helicopters, remote piloted aircraft (RPA), mobile communication terminal and Air Force Garud commandos with their state-of-the-art weapons were the key attractions of the display. Students of various age groups and people of Jammu present at the event were treated to special displays of defence equipment, MI-17 helicopters and other activities, he said.