Jawans my family: Modi celebrates Diwali with soldiers in Gurez, J&K

Kashmir: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spent his fourth Diwali with jawans - this time at the Gurez Sector valley along Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

Terming jawans as his family, Narendra Modi said that he too wishes to spend Diwali with his family and therefore, he had come among jawans, who he considers his family.

The Prime Minister said he gets new energy when he spends time among jawans and soldiers.

Modi said, "Spending time with our Forces gives me new energy. We exchanged sweets & interacted. Happy to know the Jawans practice Yoga regularly."

Gurez sector is the gateway of Gilgit-Baltistan area.

Narendra Modi offered sweets and exchanged Diwali greetings with the jawans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers sweet and exchanged Diwali greetings with the jawans. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

Addressing the Armymen, Modi said the Union government is committed to the welfare and betterment of Armed Forces, in every way possible. He also mentioned implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP).

The Prime Minister also appreciated penance and sacrifice of jawans, amid harsh conditions.

Modi said jawans who leave Armed Forces after completing their duty tenure, can become excellent yoga trainers subsequently.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat who was camping in the Gurez sector since Wednesday.

Northern Command chief Lt General Devraj Anbu and Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen J S Sandhu are also in Gurez accompanying the Prime Minister, an
Army official said.

The Prime Minister has been celebrating Diwali with security forces every year after he took over as the Prime Minister of the country.

In 2014, the Prime Minister celebrated Diwali with security forces at Siachen.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security forces at Siachen. (Photo: PTI | File)

In 2015, Modi celebrated Diwali with jawans in Amritsar at Dogra war memorial.

In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with jawans in Amritsar at Dogra war memorial. (Photo: File | PTI)

In 2016, the Prime Minister celebrated Diwali with ITBP jawans in Himachal Pradesh.

In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with ITBP jawans in Himachal Pradesh. (Photo: PTI | File)

Narendra Modi has greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.

With inputs from PTI.