This is the PM's fourth visit to Jammu and Kashmir, but first one to Siachen.
After spending time with soldiers at Siachen, the world's highest battlefield, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Srinagar on Thursday afternoon. The PM will spend most of Diwali day at Jammu and Kashmir's capital city, which was hit by floods last month. Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag accompanied Mr Modi during his visit to Siachen.
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In Srinagar, which is still recovering after being hit by the state's worst floods in 100 years, PM Modi met senior officers of the Indian Air Force who were involved in the relief operations. He will also reportedly review rehabilitation measures and visit a relief camp. The Prime Minister is also expected to announce a central package for flood victims before flying back to Delhi in the evening.
PM Modi started his packed Diwali day with a visit to Siachen, the world's highest battlefield. Addressing the jawans, he told them,"You make it possible for 125 crore Indians to celebrate Diwali happily. Your dreams and responsibilities are the responsibility of us all. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with you". He is the first Prime Minister to visit Siachen in 10 years.
The PM paid tribute to thousands of soldiers, who, he said, stand firm, protecting the country. "If you don't see this glacier you can't imagine under what hostile weather and circumstance our jawans are serving the motherland," he said during his speech.
He also conveyed Diwali greetings to President Pranab Mukherjee from Siachen. 'Wished President Pranab Mukherjee a very Happy Diwali from Siachen! Am sure this would be among the most unique greetings Pranab Da received,' he tweeted.
Ahead of his visit to the state, Pakistani troops fired with small arms at Indian posts in Ramgarh and Arnia sectors in violation of the ceasefire. India's Border Security Force or BSF said they retaliated. Intermittent firing is still going on in the two sectors. No damage has been reported.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted, "Let's just appreciate that @narendramodi is in Srinagar on his festival & not at home celebrating as he normally would have been doing (sic)."
This is his fourth visit to Jammu and Kashmir since taking charge as prime minister in May.
Close to 300 died and more than 1.5 million people were affected by the floods in Jammu and Kashmir. Mr Modi visited Srinagar once before to survey the large-scale damage.
Since he became Prime Minister, PM Modi, 64, has used most major holidays to connect with the people. On Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary on October 2, he launched the "Swachh Bharat" or Clean India campaign. On Dussehra, he had addressed the nation on radio.
The Election Commission could soon announce dates for elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The state is due for polls by November.
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