Indian Army emphasizes the importance of honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, particularly along the Line of Control in J&K
Our Bureau
Srinagar/New Delhi
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is committed to reviving the historic and cultural heritage of Kashmir and that we will soon ‘reclaim what has been lost.’ Shah made the statement on Thursday after releasing the book ‘Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh Through the Ages: A Visual Narrative of Continuities and Linkages’ here in the national capital.
Amit Shah firmly stated that Kashmir always has been and will continue to remain an inseparable part of India.
He further stressed that no legal provision could ever sever this bond, pointing “there were attempts to separate Kashmir from India in the past but time itself has nullified those efforts.”
Shah said that there was a myth that India was never united and the idea of independence for this country was meaningless — a misconception that many had come to accept as truth. The Minister highlighted that while for most countries, geo-politics have defined their boundaries, India’s case is unique in the way that this nation has been defined by its geo-cultural expanse, and whose borders are made up of cultural unity.
Home Minister remarked that the relationship between Kashmir, Ladakh, Shaivism, and Buddhism has been eloquently captured in this book and exhibition. He commended the documentation of scripts, knowledge systems, spirituality, culture, and languages, emphasizing the meticulous effort that went into presenting this rich heritage.
Covering Kashmir’s 8,000-year history, Shah likened this comprehensive effort to encapsulating the sacred Ganga within a vessel. He noted that for 150 years, some people’s understanding of history was “confined to narrow geographies–from Dariba to Ballimaran or Lutyens to Gymkhana. He stressed that history cannot be written from a distance but requires engaging directly with the people and understanding their lived experiences.”
Shah emphasized that the time has come to move beyond history written to appease past rulers, and He urged historians to confidently document India’s history using evidence, facts, and the perspective of its rich, millennia-old culture, and to present it to the world with pride.
He remarked that today, India stands as an independent nation with a government committed to upholding the values and ideas rooted in its heritage. Shah highlighted that Kashmir and Ladakh have historically served as centers of civilization, fostering creation, preservation, and cultural promotion. Numerous examples of this rich legacy are detailed in the book, noting that Kashmir has always been a land of inclusivity, embracing and nurturing diverse faiths.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army on Tuesday emphasized the importance of honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, particularly those posted along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir as they continue to uphold their duty with perseverance and unwavering dedication.
In a post on X, the Indian Army said that the armed forces remain steadfast and resolute in their mission to protect the nation’s borders., despite facing extreme weather conditions. “As we welcome the New Year, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the incredible sacrifices made by our soldiers, especially those guarding the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir,” the Army posted on X.
“The Indian Army, despite facing extreme weather conditions — from searing heat in the summer in Rajasthan to bone-chilling cold in the winter in Ladakh, J&K, Himachal, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim — remains steadfast in its duty,” it said.
“The rugged, treacherous terrain, often covered in snow or turning into a swamp during the monsoon, presents constant challenges, yet our soldiers persevere with unwavering commitment: Indian Army,” it added.
The Western Command of the Indian Army on Wednesday conveyed greetings and best wishes to all ranks, Veterans, Defense Civil employees and their families for New Year 2025.
Earlier on December 28, the Chinar Warriors corps of the Indian Army responded to a distress call from civil administration to evacuate tourists stranded in Gulmarg district of the territory. The tourists and civilians were stranded due to unprecedented heavy snowfall in tourist destination Gulmarg and the subsequent closure of the road to Tanmarg. Responding to the call, the Army personnel evacuated 68 civilians, including 30 men and women each and eight children and provided meals, shelter and medication to 137 tourists.
