Jammu: Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the armed forces, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Sunday said that the episode (Operation Sindoor) is a reminder of the grit and determination that drives India’s uniformed personnel.
He called the experience both emotional and reassuring, especially seeing the soldiers’ eagerness to return to their posts so soon after sustaining injuries.
Dr Singh in a moving visit to Military Hospital Satwari on the outskirts of Jammu, met soldiers who were recently injured in action along the International Border and LoC.
Many of them, despite suffering serious injuries, expressed a fierce determination to return to the frontlines. According to the Minister, the morale of these soldiers was not just high—it was inspiring.
Dr Singh shared that the soldiers, most of whom belonged to the Indian Army and the Border Security Force (BSF), conveyed a heartfelt message for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“They said they are ready to go back and fight the enemy till the last breath,” he told reporters after the visit.
“Their courage and spirit are truly humbling. The nation is eternally indebted to them.”
What stood out during the visit, the Minister said, was the unwavering willpower of the jawans, many of whom have already begun recovering and are preparing to return to duty.
Their injuries were varied, but their resolve was common: to serve the country without hesitation, he added.
Dr. Singh also praised the role of the medical team at the hospital, led by Brigadier Dr. Fayaz Ahmad.
“The precision and promptness with which the team acted saved several lives. Their efforts ensured that many of these bravehearts are now even fit to get back to the field,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that the medical personnel not only treated physical wounds but also uplifted the soldiers’ morale, helping them regain strength and confidence.
The visit comes at a time of heightened vigilance along border areas, and Dr. Singh’s remarks are likely to resonate with a public that continues to stand in solidarity with the armed forces.
As the soldiers recover and prepare to return, the message from the Military Hospital in Jammu is loud and clear: India’s defenders remain undeterred.
Later, Dr Singh held a wide-ranging interaction with members of the civil society, engaging with a cross-section of eminent citizens to discuss the evolving socio-political climate and the way forward for the region.
The meeting was attended by professionals from diverse fields, including leading doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, representatives of the judiciary, industrial chambers, and members of the media.
The initiative was aimed at reaching out to influential citizens who are not always part of conventional political dialogues, but whose voices and opinions hold sway across different segments of society.
Dr. Singh noted that while political parties routinely interact with various groups, this outreach was conceived as a step towards engaging with those whose views sometimes remain underrepresented but have the potential to shape broader public opinion.
During the interaction, participants collectively lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian security forces for the country’s recent assertive and confident global posture.
Several media professionals present stressed the importance of strengthening responsible information dissemination, particularly in an age where misinformation can quickly skew public perception. They emphasised the media’s responsibility in curating accurate and timely narratives that reflect ground realities.
In turn, the Minister emphasised collective effort for building a positive narrative.
Members of the business community raised concerns about the perceptional impact following recent incidents like the one in Pahalgam, which they said had triggered apprehensions outside the region.
They underscored the need for a collaborative effort to rebuild confidence in the region’s economic and tourism prospects, advocating for a united front to reassure investors and visitors alike.
Dr. Singh appreciated the candid feedback and assured the gathering that such engagements would continue to ensure that voices beyond traditional political frameworks are heard and factored into policymaking.
He reiterated that the Union Government remains committed to inclusive development in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed that confidence-building among all stakeholders is key to sustained growth.
The interaction underscored the importance of civic participation in shaping the region’s narrative and marked a shift towards a more holistic engagement model—one that includes professionals, thought leaders, and influencers in the national dialogue.
UNI
