AMN / WEB DESK
The 71st Army Day is being celebrated across the country today. It is celebrated every year to commemorate the day when General (later Field Marshal) KM Carriappa took over the command of Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian Army post Independence.
Addressing Army personnel on the occasion in New Delhi, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said, the Armed forces will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the border with Pakistan. He said, the country along India’s western border is providing support to terror groups and the Indian Army is dealing with them effectively. General Rawat also said the Army will keep reviewing the situation along the eastern border.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended their greetings to the soldiers and their families on Army Day. The President said, soldiers are nation’s pride and the sentinels of liberty. He said, citizens, sleep securely knowing that the soldiers are ever awake and ever vigilant.
The Vice President said, it is the obligation of the country to honor the patience and courage of the families of the ex-servicemen and soldiers who dedicate themselves to the precious year of their life in the service of the country. He said, it is the responsibility of everyone that morale and respect of Indian Army always remain high and it should be provided latest equipments and facilities. He said, it is important to enhance strategic research in the country.
The Prime Minister said, the countrymen are proud of the determination and sacrifice the soldiers. He said, he bows to indomitable courage and bravery of soldiers.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore said, every single one of our soldiers is the epitome of matchless valor and boundless determination and embodies the motto of the Indian Army: Service Before Self.
The Army Chief said, several steps have been initiated by the Army to deal with menace of terrorism.
General Rawat also said, few agencies continue to spread fake news and misleading the people. The Army Chief asked Army personnel to be extra vigilant while using social media.