Rajnath visits Leh, Srinagar; reviews security at LAC, LoC & hinterland

Srinagar: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reviewed the security preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Union Territory of Ladakh and along the Line of Control (LoC), besides hinterland in Kashmir valley.
The Defence Minister, who is on a two-day visit to Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir from Friday, was also briefed about counter militancy operations conducted in the valley.
Defence minister spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia told UNI that Mr Singh, who was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief General MM Naravane, arrived at Technical Airport in Srinagar on Friday afternoon after visiting forward areas and reviewing security situation along Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Union Territory of Ladakh in the morning.
He said Mr Singh was received by Lieutenant General BS Raju, Chinar Corps Commander at Srinagar.
Col Kalia said the Defence Minister was briefed in detail about the situation on the LoC, in the hinterland and successful counter militancy operations.
Mr Singh asserted that the country was proud of the valour and patriotic spirit of the soldiers. He urged all to continue to work hard to ensure security both on the LoC and in the hinterland.
He also impressed upon the commanders to maintain strict vigil along the LoC and remain prepared to give a befitting reply to any misadventure by the adversary.
Later in the evening, Mr, chaired a high level Security Review meeting which was attended by the Lieutenant Governor, UT of J&K, CDS, COAS, GOC-in-C Northern Command, Chief Secretary, DGP JKP, officials from the Security Forces, Civil Administration and Intelligence agencies.
The Defence Minister complimented everyone for great synergy and close coordination amongst the security forces and government agencies towards bringing back normalcy in the region and lauded their work in ensuring peace and security in J&K.
Earlier in the day, Mr Singh arrived at Leh, where he was received by Lieutenant General YK Joshi, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command and Lieutenant General Harinder Singh, General Officer Commanding, Fire & Fury Corps.
At Leh, Mr Singh witnessed a High Altitude Joint Airborne Exercise by integrated troops of all arms and services. Thereafter, he visited a forward location in Eastern Ladakh, where he was briefed on the security situation and operational preparedness along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh as well as along the LoC in Kargil and Drass sectors.
Interacting with commanders and troops, Mr Singh said, “I want to assure you that not an inch of our land can be taken by any power in the world.” He further complimented the troops for the high standards of professionalism and devotion to duty displayed by them even in these challenging circumstances.
Assuring soldiers of the Nation’s support, the Defence Minister exhorted all ranks to remain vigilant and maintain a high order of operational readiness. He also interacted with Air Warriors at the Air Force Station Leh.