Defence Minister Rajnath Singh felicitates 'Veer Naris' at Bengdubi Mil Station near Siliguri

SILIGURI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh felicitated nineteen 'Veer Naris' of the Tupul landslide tragedy of Manipur at an event organized by Trishakti Corps at Bengdubi Mil Station near Siliguri on Thursday.

According to a press release, the Defence Minister applauded the bravery and remembered the supreme sacrifice of valiant soldiers of 107 Infantry Bn (Territorial Army) 11 GR.

It may be mentioned that one company of 107 Infantry Bn (TA) 11 GR was deployed near Tupul Railway Station for protection of under-construction railway line from Jiribam to Imphal. On the intervening night of 29/30 June last, a massive landslide of unimaginable magnitude struck Company Operating Base (COB). As many as 61 innocent lives were lost within a couple of seconds, including one officer, three JCOs and 26 other ranks of the battalion.

During the interaction with the 'Veer Naris', Rajnath Singh said that the nation shares the grief of the families of the deceased soldiers and assured that the Government will ensure their financial stability. While empathizing with the 'Veer Naris', he said that sacrifices made by the soldiers can never be repaid and the country will always be indebted to them. However, in an endeavor to mitigate the hardships, he presented cheques of Rs 7 lakh to each 'Veer Nari'.

The 'Veer Naris' conveyed their gratitude and appreciated the initiative taken by the Government and the Indian Army and said that it would motivate the youth to join the armed forces.

The event was a true reflection of an important tenet of the age-old tradition and culture of Indian Army to respect its martyrs and families. The Defence Minister was accompanied by Raju Bista, MP, Darjeeling, four MLAs, senior Army officers Gen Manoj Pande, Lt Gen Tarun Kumar Aich and Maj Gen Satinder Singh.

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