Surgical Strike anniversary: HP CM lauds armed forces' role in peacetime too

The 2016 surgical strikes against terrorists launch pads in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) exhibited the valour and the professionalism of the Indian armed forces to the world, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said Saturday.

Addressing the "Parakram Parv" function held at the Ridge Maidan area here to commemorate the second anniversary of the surgical strikes, Thakur said the strike was possible because of tough decisions taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Thakur lauded the role played by the armed forces in peacetime, especially in rescue operations after natural disasters.

Over 3,000 lives were saved due to the swift action of the security forces in heavy snow in some districts of the state, he said, adding that nearly 250 stranded tourists, including over 30 foreigners, who had been stranded in Lahaul and Kullu, were airlifted by them.

The chief minister also honoured gallantry award winners and war widows on the occasion.

Colonel Karamvir Singh Panwar and Major Mahavir gave a presentation on the surgical strike conducted by the Army in PoK.