PM Modi's J&K visit on Diwali: As it happened

Celebrating Diwali with the soldiers and flood victims in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that countrymen stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them.

  • Children have lost their books during J&K floods. I've directed the authorities to provide notebooks and books to these children immediately, says PM Modi.  

  • Modi also urges that the financial help be directly transferred to bank accounts of affected people.

  • People in J&K have demanded that government aid reaches to them direct. I've assured them that it will considered, says PM Modi.

  • I met the locals, businessmen and other delegates. Also, I tried to take a closer look at the issues, says PM Modi.

  • I came here on September 07, 2014 and now I'm here to take stock of the situation, says PM Modi.

  • The Prime Minister announced Rs 170 crore to renovate six major hospitals in J&K.

  • I've assured them that government will provide all possible help, says PM Modi.

  • PM Modi announces Rs 750 crore for rehabilitation programme in Jammu and Kashmir.

  • PM Modi addressing a press conference in Srinagar.

  • J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah meets Narendra Modi along with other party leaders in Srinagar.

  • PM Modi arrives in Srinagar, likely to address media in evening.
  • The way you had carried out the entire rescue operation during J&K floods is really commendable, said PM Modi to the soldiers.
  • We have decided to build a war memorial soon, says Modi.
  • Your dreams and responsibilities are the responsibilities of us all. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with you.
  • Addressing soldiers from Siachen, PM Modi said that they make it possible for 125 crore Indians to celebrate Diwali happily.

Celebrating Diwali with the soldiers and flood victims in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that countrymen stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them.

Modi, who visited Siachen early today, wished the nation on the occasion of Diwali from the icy heights of the Glacier.

 

He also separately wished President Pranab Mukherjee and said this would be amongst the most unique greetings Pranab Da received.

As per reports, PM Modi, who has reached Srinagar, is expected to hold a press conference at Srinagar airport around 5:00 pm today.

He went to Siachen before travelling to Srinagar to spend time with the flood-affected people on the festival of lights.

"Friends, I am leaving for Siachen Glacier. It's my good fortune that I will be able to spend time with our brave soldiers on this special day," Modi tweeted, before embarking on the visit.

 

"Am going to Siachen with a message from each and every Indian to our soldiers- that we stand shoulder to shoulder with you," he said.

 

Praising the country's sentinels, Modi said, "Be it the altitude or bitter cold, nothing deters our soldiers. They stand there, serving our Nation. They make us truly proud."

He also tweeted that after his brief visit to Siachen, he will travel to Srinagar to meet the flood victims.

"After the Siachen visit I will continue with my scheduled visit to Srinagar to spend time with those affected due to the recent floods," Modi said on the micro-blogging site.

 

He further said, "Everyone is aware of the extreme conditions at Siachen. Overcoming every challenge our soldiers stand firm, protecting our Motherland."

(With PTI inputs)