PM Modi celebrates Diwali with jawans of ITBP, Indian Army in Himachal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the auspicious occasion of Diwali today met jawans of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Indian Army and Dogra Scouts in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh.

"Spent time with our courageous @ITBP_official & Army Jawans at Sumdo, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh. Jai Jawan! Jai Hind!," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

"Made unscheduled stop at Chango village, close to Somdu, to wish people on Diwali. Was deeply touched by the impromptu reception & their joy," he added.

Showering his praise on the armed forces guarding the nation, Prime Minister Modi earlier today dedicated this year's Diwali to the jawans.

Addressing the nation in the 25th edition of his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme, the Prime Minister said that he was flooded with messages full of wishes and love for the jawans.

"Dedicate this Diwali to our soldiers. #Sandesh2Soldiers hashtag was used so much by everyone and we were flooded with well wishes and love for jawans from citizens. Be it BSF, CRPF etc, our jawans are on duty and guarding us; that is why we are celebrating Diwali joyfully," said the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier spent Diwali with soldiers of the Indian Army posted at the world's highest battlefield of Siachen as well as the Dogra war memorial at Amritsar.

He also made it a point to be in Srinagar before his visit to Siachen in 2014, in solidarity with the flood victims in Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier last week, Prime Minister Modi launched a campaign named "Sandesh for Soldiers" to send Diwali greetings to those serving on India's borders.

"I sent my #Sandesh2Soldiers. You could also do the same. Your wishes will certainly make our forces very happy. This Diwali, let us remember our courageous armed forces who constantly protect our nation. Jai Hind. When 125 crore people stand with soldiers, their power increases by 125 crore," he tweeted then.

Prominent celebrities like film actors Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar as well as several Union Ministers have sent messages tagging Prime Minister Modi during the course of this campaign.