Jitendra Singh visits Siachen glacier

Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Singh Tuesday visited troops posted at the Siachen glacier in Jammu and Kashmir and applauded their efforts in defending the country's frozen frontier, an official said.

The visit was a "great morale booster" for the troops deployed in the glacier since the area is experiencing a harsh winter and temperatures are dropping up to 50 degrees below freezing point, a defence spokesman said.

The minister was accompanied by the Fire and Fury corps commander.

The minister carried out an aerial survey and landed at two forward posts on the glacier and interacted with soldiers deployed there.

Upon his arrival at the Siachen base camp, Jitendra Singh paid homage to the soldiers who laid down their lives. He laid a floral wreath at the Siachen War Memorial.

Later, the minister was briefed about the military situation in Siachen and along the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL).

In his address to the soldiers at the base camp, Jitendra Singh assured that the best of equipment, clothing and ration will continue to be provided to ensure a high degree of operational preparedness.