New Delhi, January 15: The Indian Army is celebrating its 71st raising day today. On the occasion of the Army Day, an annual parade was organised at the Cariappa Parade Ground in New Delhi. Speaking at the event, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Bipin Rawat extended wishes to all the ranks of the Indian Army and family members of soldiers. Gen Rawat also paid homage to all the soldiers who laid down their lives for protecting the motherland. He further added that the Indian Army is trying its best to maintain peace at borders.

The COAS speaking at the event said that the Indian Army has inflicted heavy casualties on terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, due which the Amarnath Yatra and Panchayat election in the state were carried out peacefully. He slammed Pakistan for providing a safe haven for terrorists and providing them weapons to disrupt peace in the Kashmir valley. Talking about the counter-insurgency operations in the north-east, Gen Rawat said that the condition is under control. He further added that the army along with Assam Rifles is carrying out operations based on specific intelligence inputs to bring peace to the region.

The Army Chief said that the Indian Army is providing training to paramilitary forces and local police to carry out operations in Naxal-hit areas. To build a strong force, we initiated some organisational changes along with technological advancement in the force, the Army Chief said. Gen Rawat also highlighted the association of the Indian Army with the Make in India campaign. The COAS also advised soldiers about using social media carefully. During his address, he said, “While using social media we should remain alert, even our family members should use social media responsibly.” Army Day 2019: Influential Quotes to Share & Honour the National Heroes on January 15.

The Army Day is celebrated in commemoration of the first Indian to take over as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949. On January 15, 1949, the then Lieutenant General KM Cariappa took charge from British Commander General Sir Francis Butcher. The day is also observed to honour the brave soldiers of the Indian Army. Parades and military shows are organised at all the Army Command headquarters.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 15, 2019 01:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).