Troops should maintain high degree of preparedness: President

"Troops shoul

d remain vigilant and maintain high degree of preparedness for meeting any eventualities along the border areas in Jammu and Kashmir," Patil told troops at Raina stadium in Rajouri district.

The President, who made a whirlwind visit of the forward areas in Balakote and Poonch belts, interacted with troops and field commanders on the security situation along the LoC.

Lauding the role of troops in maintaining peace in the region, Patil expressed satisfaction on the work done by all the ranks in tackling terrorism and ensuring normalcy in the state.

She also appreciated the role played by the army in providing help to civilians in the far-flung areas of the state.

During her address, Pratibha Patil conveyed her gratitude to the families of all ranks, who sacrificed their lives for the defence of the nation.

"They are rendering medical aid, education and other civic amenities besides their strenuous military duties," she said.

The President also acknowledged the contribution of the families of army personnel for providing support and motivation to the troops in discharging their duties under difficult conditions.

She was briefed about the security situation, cross-border infiltration and anti-infiltration measures being taken by the army along the LoC by the field commanders at Rajouri and Poonch districts.


The President left from Rajouri to a forward post to take stock of the situation and interacted with the soldiers manning the borders there.

She also met young Gujjar girl Rukhsana and her brother Aijaz Ahmed, who killed a top Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorist to protect her family at Kalsian village in Upper Shahdra Sharief area of the border district on September 27.

Patil, who met her at ALG(Actual Landing Ground) Rajouri, gave gifts to the duo and praised her brave act.