Indian Army’s commander in Chief, Bipin Rawat addressed a gathering at the Cariappa ground in Delhi during the 70th Indian Army Day celebrations on 15 January.
Army Chief Bipin Rawat presented the gallantry awards and other awards to Army personnel at the event, that also saw him host the annual parade.
Frequent Ceasefire Violations by Pak: Army Chief
Delivering his Army Day speech, Rawat spoke about the dangers of social media being used against the Army. “Social media is being used against us, we have to be careful in its use,” he said.
The security forces’ intelligence-based operations in the north-east have managed to limit terrorism and Pakistan, the Army chief said.
Lashing out at Pakistan, he said: “Pakistan ki sena ghuspaithiyo ki madad karti rehti hai, agar hame majboor kiya gaya to aur mazboot karyawahi karenge. (Pakistan’s forces are helping infiltrators, if they provoke us further, we will conduct much stronger investigations)”.
Ceasefire violations by Pakistan happen frequently, to which we respond effectively. We will take even stronger steps against our enemies if we are compelled to do so.Bipin Rawat, Army Chief
President and Prime Minister Wish Jawans on Army Day
Army Day marks the day that field Marshal KM Cariappa took over as the first Indian Army Chief in 1949. It is celebrated with parades and shows at major locations across the country. President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted officers and troops of the Indian Army on the occasion.
"On Army Day, greetings to the valiant men and women of the Indian Army, to veterans and to families of those who have worn the uniform. You are our nation's pride, the sentinels of our liberty. Citizens sleep securely knowing you are ever awake and ever vigilant," the President tweeted.
Modi saluted the Army personnel who sacrificed their lives while serving the nation and said every citizen of the country has "unwavering trust and pride" in the Indian Army.
"On Army Day, I convey greetings to the soldiers, veterans and their families. Every citizen of India has unwavering trust and pride in our Army, which protects the nation and is also at the forefront of humanitarian efforts during times of natural disaster and other accidents," he wrote on his official Twitter handle.
(This story has been updated with details of the parade.)
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