Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with soldiers of Indian Army and Border Security Force (BSF) at the Gurez sector, along the Line of Control (LoC) in Badipore district of North Kashmir, on Thursday.

Addressing the soldiers, the Prime Minister, said that like everyone else, he too wishes to spend Diwali with his family. Therefore, he had come to spend Diwali with the soldiers of the Armed Forces, whom he considers to be “his family.”

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PM Modi said, Union Government is committed to the welfare and the betterment of the Armed Forces, in every way possible and added that he gets new energy when he spends time among the soldiers of the Armed Forces and appreciated their penance and sacrifice, amid harsh conditions

PM Modi exhorted soldiers to regularly practice Yoga. He said that Yoga would definitely enhance their abilities, and give them a sense of calm.

Spending time with our Forces gives me new energy. We exchanged sweets & interacted. Happy to know the Jawans practice Yoga regularly. pic.twitter.com/zvHmaO8bPv

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2017

He also encouraged the soldiers to innovate, so that their routine tasks and duties become easier and safer.

The Prime Minister offered sweets and exchanged greetings with the soldiers on the occasion of Diwali.

The Chief of Army Staff, General BS Rawat, and other senior Army Officers were present on the occasion.

In the visitors’ book, the Prime Minister wrote: “Protecting the Motherland, far from your loved ones, displaying the highest traditions of sacrifice, all soldiers at the nation’s borders, are symbols of bravery and dedication. I have an opportunity to spend the festival of Diwali with you. The presence of brave soldiers at the border, on this festive occasion, lights the lamp of hope, and generates new energy among crores of Indians. To accomplish the dream of “New India,” this is a golden opportunity for all of us to work together. The Army too is a part of it. Greetings to all of you on Diwali.”

Also read : Omar Abdullah thanks PM Modi for spending Diwali in Gurez

According to media reports, the PM flew to Srinagar en route to the Gurez sector on Thursday morning to meet with Corps soldiers and officers.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Army Chief, Northern Command chief Lt General Devraj Anbu and Chinar Corps Lt Gen JS Sandhu to Gurez, according to army official.

This is PM Modi’s second visit to Kashmir on the occasion on Diwali. In 2014, PM Modi had visited the state after the state was was affected by floods.

In 2016, PM Modi had visited a strategic area in Himachal Pradesh near the Chinese border and in 2015 the Prime Minister had visited Amritsar to celebrate Diwali with soldiers.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi shared a message on social media and said “Diwali ke pawan parv par sabhi deshvasio ko hardik shubhkamnaye #HappyDiwali to everyone! (On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, greetings to the nation).”

दीपावली के पावन पर्व पर सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। #HappyDiwali to everyone! pic.twitter.com/pFQe9rYrSg

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2017