In Pics: PM Modi celebrates Diwali with Indian soldiers at Siachen

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a surprise visit to Siachen to celebrate Diwali with soldiers posted at the world's highest battlefield and hailed the role of the armed forces in securing the country.Narendra Modi went to Siachen early in the morning and spent more than an hour with the soldiers at a base camp situated at a height of over 12,000 feet.He praised their valour and courage, saying that 125 crore Indians could celebrate Diwali, and go about their lives in comfort, because the jawans stood guard at the borders, prepared to make every sacrifice for the nation. Modi told the jawans that he had come unannounced, and they may be surprised, but one does not need to announce arrival when coming to one's own family.This is Modi's first Diwali as Prime Minister which he decided to spend on the 18,875 ft glacier with soldiers braving tough conditions.Talking about the hardships faced by the armed forces, especially in the tough terrain of Siachen, Modi said he was himself able to witness the precarious conditions the soldiers were working in while making his journey to the icy glacier.In the visitors' book, Modi wrote that soldiers in uniform who guarded the nation's frontiers in such difficult conditions were no less than 'rishis' and sages. Modi noted that while the armed forces are busy guarding the country, it is responsibility of the country and the nation to realise the dreams and aspirations of its soldiers.The Prime Minister also lauded the role of the defence personnel in rescue and relief work during natural calamities.'When Srinagar was hit by flood, the army jawans showed an exemplary work of humanity and sacrificed their lives in the process,' Modi said.He added that in the precarious conditions many youngsters have given their lives in the icy mountains of Siachen.'Till the time someone does not see these icy glaciers, he will not know the way our jawans work in the remotest parts of the country. Modi said that Indian defence forces are known the world over for their discipline and now women too have started displaying their valour.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced an additional relief package of Rs.745 crore for flood-affected Jammu and Kashmir.Talking to some media persons at the Raj Bhavan here, Modi said he had come to the state immediately after the floods occurred last month and announced a relief package of Rs.1,000 crore."I had come here immediately after the floods last month and announced a relief package of Rs.1,000 crore. The purpose of my today's visit has been to meet the people and get a better idea about what needs to be done for the people who suffered during the floods," Modi said. "I believe it would be better if the financial relief to people whose homes have been damaged is directly given to them through bank accounts."The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Everything will be done to rebuild the damaged homes and livelihood of the affected people."Modi Thursday announced Rs.745 crore for rebuilding of damaged homes and hospitals.He said the loss memo of Rs.44,000 crore submitted to the Centre by the state government was being examined, and announced an immediate relief of Rs.570 crore for rebuilding of damaged homes and Rs.175 crore for similarly affected hospitals in the state.