Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the auspicious occasion of Diwali on Sunday met jawans of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Indian Army and Dogra Scouts in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Showering his praise on the armed forces guarding the nation, PM Modi dedicated this year’s Diwali to the jawans. PM Modi had earlier spent Diwali with soldiers of the Indian Army posted at the world’s highest battlefield of Siachen as well as the Dogra war memorial at Amritsar. He also made it a point to be in Srinagar before his visit to Siachen in 2014, in solidarity with the flood victims in Jammu and Kashmir.

PM Modi had launched a campaign named “Sandesh for Soldiers” to send Diwali greetings to those serving on India’s borders.

PM Modi took to Twitter to dedicate this year’s Diwali to the Indian army. He asked the nation to use #Sandesh2Soldier hastag and send Diwali greetings to the jawans.

Prominent celebrities like film actors Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar as well as several Union Ministers have sent messages tagging PM Modi during the course of this campaign.

Addressing the nation in the 25th edition of his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme, the Prime Minister said that he was flooded with messages full of wishes and love for the jawans.

In a veiled reference to the unrest in Kashmir Valley, PM Modi also called for forces of unity to be strengthened and those of separatism to be defeated.

PM Modi credited the soldiers for maintenance of peace and security in the country and called upon everyone to remember their gallantry while celebrating Diwali.

PM Modi also made an unscheduled stop at Chango village, close to Somdu, to wish the local villagers on Diwali. PM Modi said that he was deeply touched by the impromptu reception from the people of Chango village.

PM Modi also posted a separate picture with a “young friend” in Chango village.