Govt committed to holistic development of NE: Rajnath
Defence Minister Rajnath felicitates 'veer naris' of personnel killed in Noney landslide
Source: Chronicle News Service / PIB
Imphal, August 18 2022:
Stating that the government believes in ensuring progress of all states/Union Territories, Union defence minister Rajnath Singh has stressed that special emphasis is being given towards infrastructural development in far flung areas.
"We have connected the remote areas with the mainland by providing connectivity," he said.
Addressing the gathering at the inaugural ceremony of the first-ever Durand Cup match (NEROCA FC vs TRAU FC) played in here on Thursday, Rajnath Singh said that the entire North-East region has ushered in a new era of fast-paced development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
NE states have set new records in the fields of health, education, transport, agriculture and urban development in the last few years, which is a testament to the government's unwavering commitment towards ensuring holistic development of the region, he added.
Rajnath Singh also asserted that the first Durand Cup match in Manipur, at a time when the country is celebrating 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', symbolises the rise of a 'New India', in which every region and state is moving forward hand-in-hand to take the country to greater heights.
Conveying the government's resolve to encourage all kinds of sports, he mentioned that due to the efforts in the last few years, India has scaled newer heights of success in major sporting events such as Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
Players from all regions in the country are now getting equal opportunities, the results of which are now visible, he said.
The defence minister also lauded the Armed Forces, who besides protecting the nation, are bringing medals for the country in different disciplines at these Games.
Highlighting a number of similarities between sportspersons and Armed Forces personnel, Rajnath Singh said, "Dedication, commitment, loyalty, team work, discipline and the spirit of patriotism are some of the common traits in sportspersons and Armed Forces personnel.
This is why there is a reflection of a soldier in a sportsperson and sportsperson in a soldier".
Chief minister N Biren Singh, chief of the army staff general Manoj Pande and GOC-in-C Eastern Command lieutenant general RC Tiwari were among those present during the inaugural ceremony.
It may be mentioned that for the first time, Manipur is co-hosting the Durand Cup, one of the oldest football tournaments, along with Assam.
This is the 131st edition of the tournament.
Prior to his arrival here, Rajnath Singh felicitated the 'Veer Naris' of the Armed Forces personnel, who lost their lives in a recent landslide at Tupul in Noney district.
The felicitation ceremony was organised at Bengdubi Military Station in Darjeeling district of West Bengal by Trishakti Corps.
Thirty personnel - one officer, three Junior Commissioned Officers and 26 Other Ranks - of 107 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) 11 Gorkha Rifles were among the 61 people killed during the tragedy in June.
The minister presented cheques of Rs seven lakh to each 'Veer Nari'.
Thirteen soldiers, who got injured in the tragedy, were also felicitated during the event.
During the interaction with the Veer Naris and soldiers, Rajnath Singh paid glowing tributes to the deceased personnel, commending their bravery and dedication.
He stated that the Nation will always remain indebted to the sacrifices made by the soldiers.
He added that the Government is making sure that financial stability is provided to the families and dependents of the brave soldiers, assuring full support of Ministry of Defence.
The minister lauded the Armed Forces for playing an important role in completing the Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal Rail Line Project in a challenging situation.
He said, the project is important for meeting the strategic and socio-economic needs of the country.
The Veer Naris and the soldiers conveyed their gratitude and appreciated the initiatives taken by Ministry, of Defence and Indian Army to motivate the youth to join the Armed Forces.
Member of Parliament, Darjeeling Raju Bista, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, GOC, 111 Sub Area Lt Gen Tarun Kumar Aich and other senior officials of the Indian Army were present on the occasion.
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