Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday felicitated the ‘Veer Naris’, kin of the Armed Forces personnel, who lost their lives in a recent landslide at Tupul in Manipur and assured them of full support from his ministry.
He also presented cheques of Rs 7 lakh to each ‘Veer Nari.’ Thirteen soldiers, who got injured in the tragedy, were also felicitated during the event.
The felicitation ceremony was organised at Bengdubi Military Station in Darjeeling district of West Bengal by Trishakti Corps. Thirty personnel - one officer, three Junior Commissioned Officers and 26 Other Ranks – of 107 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) 11 Gorkha Rifles were among the 61 people killed during the tragedy in June. During the interaction with the Veer Naris and soldiers, Rajnath paid tributes to the deceased personnel, commending their bravery and dedication.
He said the nation will always remain indebted to the sacrifices made by the soldiers. The minister also said the Government is making sure that financial stability is provided to the families and dependents of the brave soldiers, assuring full support of the defence ministry.Rajnath lauded the Armed Forces for playing an important role in completing the Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal Rail Line Project in a challenging situation. He said the project is important for meeting the strategic and socio-economic needs of the country. Member of Parliament, Darjeeling Raju Bista, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, GOC, 111 Sub Area Lt General Tarun Kumar Aich and other senior officials of the Indian Army were present on the occasion.