Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation on Friday in paying 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 (POK) on September 28-29. 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. Soon after his arrival at the Battle Axe Ground at the military station, the Prime Minister first signed a message paying homage to martyrs and took a round of the exhibition, showcasing 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", saying they will be a source of inspiration for generations.
After taking a round of the exhibition, Modi and Sitharaman proceeded to attend the Combined Commanders' Conference scheduled at the Jodhpur Airforce Station. The meet later addressed by Modi discussed general and contemporary issues of national concern, officials said. 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 is showcasing 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 are also on the display. The event is open from 1100 hrs to 2200 hrs on Saturday and Sunday.
Visitors will get the opportunity to see captured weapons used by terrorists that have been brought from Jammu & Kashmir. Military equipment like artillery guns and small arms will also be on display. Famous singer Kailash Kher will belt out songs on Sunday besides performances by the Military band. General public is encouraged to take selfies at all venues, including India Gate and post them on the social networking sites with #ParakramParv.
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.