Army Commander Celebrates Diwali With Troops at Siachen

Suhail Khan

Srinagar, Nov 7: While families across the country gather to celebrate Diwali, thousands of soldiers deployed along the borders of Jammu and Kashmir continue to remain on duty, spending the festival away from their homes and loved ones to safeguard the country’s frontiers.

Against this backdrop, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma as per Kashmir Convener visited troops deployed at the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier on the eve of Diwali and extended festive greetings to the personnel serving in one of the world’s most challenging military environments.

During the visit, Sharma as per Kashmir Convener interacted with soldiers at the world’s highest battlefield and appreciated their courage, commitment and resilience in the face of extreme weather and difficult operational conditions.

In a post on X, the Army’s Northern Command also said the Army Commander conveyed warm festive greetings to the troops and lauded their “indomitable spirit”.

“Amidst unforgiving terrain, the resolve of the Indian Army shines brighter than a thousand lights,” the Northern Command said.

“Courage in every step, fortitude in every heart: leadership stands with its troops,” it added.

The visit also draws attention to the lives of Army personnel deployed across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, where troops remain stationed along the Line of Control (LoC) and other sensitive border areas to maintain constant vigilance.

From the snowbound mountains and remote forward posts to difficult frontier positions, soldiers operate in challenging terrain and harsh climatic conditions, often remaining away from their families for extended periods.

For many personnel, festivals such as Diwali are spent at military posts rather than at home. While their families celebrate the occasion with lights, sweets and prayers, the soldiers continue their duties, maintaining surveillance and ensuring security along the borders.

The Siachen Glacier, located in the eastern Karakoram range, is among the world’s highest military deployment zones. Soldiers stationed there face extreme sub-zero temperatures, oxygen-deficient conditions, heavy snowfall and unpredictable weather.

Similarly, troops deployed along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir operate in mountainous terrain and sensitive frontier areas, where maintaining vigilance remains a continuous responsibility.

The separation from families during festivals is among the sacrifices associated with military service, particularly for personnel posted in remote and operationally sensitive locations.

Sharma’s visit and interaction with troops underline the importance of maintaining morale among personnel serving in difficult conditions, particularly during occasions when families traditionally come together a senior defence official told Kashmir Convener.

Meanwhile, As Diwali brings homes across the country together, soldiers guarding Jammu and Kashmir’s borders continue to hold their positions, ensuring that the festival of lights is celebrated in peace.