NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the “Galwan War Memorial” on December 7(Sunday), paying tribute to the 20 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the Galwan Valley clash.
“The bravery of our soldiers is an inspiration for all of us”, he said during the ceremony held at the Leh Army Base. Highlighting the significance of the memorial, Major General Arindam Saha, GOC, 3rd Infantry Division, said, “This Galwan War Memorial, built at an altitude of 14,500 feet, is the highest memorial of its kind and stands as a powerful symbol of national gratitude”.
He further added, “This is a solemn tribute to our 20 brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during the Galwan Valley clash on June 15, 2020. On the last Army Day, the Defence Minister had announced the construction of this memorial. Building such a structure at 14,500 feet is no ordinary task, but the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) completed it within a limited timeframe”. Major General Saha also emphasised that the memorial reflects India’s unwavering commitment to honouring its fallen heroes. “This is also a message to the world that India remembers and respects its martyrs”, he said.
The inauguration was part of 125 BRO projects unveiled by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. These include 28 roads, 93 bridges and 4 strategic projects across seven states, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, West Bengal, Mizoram, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and two Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
In his address, the Defence Minister stated, “Today our soldiers stand strong in difficult terrains because they have access to roads, real-time communication systems, satellite support, surveillance networks and logistics connectivity. Every minute, every second of a soldier deployed on the border is extremely important. Therefore, connectivity should not be viewed merely as networks, optical fibre, drones and radar, but as the backbone of national security”.
Solid connectivity in border areas catalysed strategic success in Operation Sindoor
Speaking about the strategic edge gained by India during Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attributed the success in the conflict against Pakistan to the strong connectivity in border areas. While addressing the inaugural ceremony of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) projects in Leh, he said that the Indian armed forces showed patience along with valour and did only what was required, even though it “could have done a lot”.
“When our armed forces conducted Operation Sindoor in response to the terror attacks carried out in Pahalgam, we saw what they did to the terrorists. Though we could have done a lot, our forces showed not just valour, but patience as well and did only as much as was needed. Such a huge operation could take place because our connectivity was strong and the border area connectivity brought historic success to Operation Sindoor”, Defence Minister further added.
He also stressed the Centre’s commitment to the holistic development of border areas, saying that the constant effort of the government is to strengthen communication and connectivity in the border areas, including Ladakh. The government and organisations like BRO are working with full enthusiasm for the holistic development of border areas. Lauding the BRO for their efforts, Singh stated that the speed and efficiency with which the BRO has developed infrastructure in border areas has provided a significant boost to national development.
He said, “In the past few years, the speed and efficiency with which BRO has developed infrastructure in border areas has also provided a significant boost to national development. Through indigenous solutions, by successfully completing complex projects, BRO has today emerged as a synonym for ‘Communication’ and ‘Connectivity'”. Defence Minister underlined that communication and connectivity are not mere technical tools but essential pillars of societal and civilisational growth.
(With Inputs from ANI)
