Operation Sindoor: CM participates in ‘Ek Samvad: Veer Sainik Ke Saath’
By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 30 May: Operation Sindoor was celebrated at the ‘Ek Samvad: Veer Sainik Ke Saath’ event at the Doon Sainik Institute in Garhi Cantt here, today. The event also witnessed the participation of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The CM announced that a centre would be established in the state for the training of retired soldiers, with the Sainik Welfare Department overseeing its implementation.
The CM also praised the bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication displayed by Indian soldiers in Operation Sindoor, emphasising that their heroism would continue to inspire future generations. The operation was launched in response to the 22 April terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where twenty-six innocent tourists lost their lives. On 7 May, Indian forces destroyed nine major terrorist bases, eliminating more than one hundred terrorists. Dhami asserted that India now responds to enemy fire with greater force, reinforcing its firm stance against terrorism. Following the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government revoked the Indus Water Treaty and halted all trade with Pakistan, reiterating that trade and terror cannot coexist.
The CM credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for the successful execution of the operation, highlighting that under his guidance, the Indian Army is being equipped with advanced technology and weaponry, ensuring self-reliance in defence. Several welfare measures for soldiers and their families were also mentioned by the CM, including the implementation of One Rank-One Pension, the construction of a National War Memorial, an increase in the defence budget, and infrastructure development in border areas. The ex-gratia amount provided to martyrs’ families has been raised from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakhs. Financial aid for gallantry award recipients has been enhanced, and the government has extended the period for job applications for the families of martyrs from two to five years. The CM reminded that decorated soldiers and ex-servicemen can now travel free of cost in state-run buses, while serving and retired soldiers will receive a twenty-five percent concession on stamp duty for property purchases up to Rs 25 lakhs. He also reminded that a grand military shrine is under construction in Guniyal village, Dehradun, in memory of the state’s martyrs.
Sainik Kalyan Minister Ganesh Joshi emphasised Uttarakhand’s legacy as the land of warriors, claiming that every fifth soldier in the Indian Army hails from the state. He pointed out that India no longer tolerates terrorism and is now capable of eliminating threats at their source.
The event was attended by several senior military and administrative officials, NS Bisht, Service Finance Officer of Defence Forces, retired Lt General AK Singh, Rear Admiral OPS Rana, Air Marshal DS Rawat, Lieutenant General TPS Rawat, Rear Admiral Anurag Thapliyal, Major General OP Soni, Major General D Agnihotri, Major General PS Rana, Major General Neeraj Verma, Major General Anand Singh Rawat, Major General M S Aswal, Major General KD Singh, Brigadier KG Behl and officials of ex-servicemen organisations were also present.
