PM Modi unveils National War Memorial, slams Congress for 'depriving' Indian soldiers

He visited the various sections of the Memorial.

Earlier, addressing a large rally of Ex-Servicemen, the Prime Minister said that it is the result of the valour and dedication of lakhs of soldiers that the Indian Army is today considered among the strongest in the world.

Modi said that the soldiers have been the first line of defence, both against enemies, and against natural disasters.

The Prime Minister recalled the CRPF jawans who sacrificed their lives in the recent terror attack in Pulwama, and paid homage to all the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice, defending India.

He said that today New India is growing in stature globally, and this is due in large measure to its Armed Forces.

Modi expressed happiness that the National War Memorial, or Rashtriya Samar Smaarak, is being dedicated on Monday.

He also used the venue in hitting out at the Congress when he said the erstwhile Congress-led UPA regime for 'depriving' Indian soldiers even the much needed bullet proof jackets.

"How the forces and their defence requirements were misused to make money is known to you all perhaps better than me," Prime Minister said. 

He said neglecting the national interests and ignoring the safety and security issues of the armed forces personnel, the Manmohan Singh government did nothing to procure 1.86 lakh bullet proof jackets as was demanded by the forces.

The demand was placed in 2009 but nothing moved till 2014.

"Today, it was left with our government to procure 2.3 lakh bullet proof jackets for our brave soldiers," Modi said.

"Kuch logon ke liye desh se bara apna parivar hae (For some people, it appeared the family came first and foremost and not the country)," he told the gathering which included a large number of ex-servicemen and their family members. 

Using the platform Modi also promoted his government and recalled that the Union Government had also fulfilled its pledge of providing One Rank, One Pension to the soldiers and ex-servicemen.

He said OROP has resulted in an increase in pension of up to 40 per cent, and an increase in salaries of soldiers of up to 55 per cent, compared to 2014.

The Prime Minister mentioned that there has been a demand for a super-speciality hospital, and announced that three such super-speciality hospitals would be set up.

Giving some more illustrations of the government’s approach towards the Armed Forces, the Prime Minister mentioned the encouragement being given to innovations by soldiers during Army Day, Navy Day and Air Force Day events.

He also mentioned the Gallantry Awards Portal launched on 15 August, 2017.

Modi said women have now got the opportunity to become fighter pilots. He said that women officers in short service commission are being given opportunities for permanent commission at par with their male counterparts.

The Prime Minister said that change has been initiated in the entire ecosystem of defence procurement.

He said transparency and level playing field are the hallmarks of the government’s approach. He stressed on the encouragement being given to “Make in India".

The Prime Minister said that the Indian Army has participated in about 50 out of 70 major UN peacekeeping missions, and about 2 lakh soldiers have been a part of these operations.

He said the navies of 50 countries were part of the International Fleet Review organized by the Indian Navy in 2016.

Modi also said that our Armed Forces conduct an average of 10 big joint exercises with Armed Forces of friendly countries, every year.

He said that the huge reduction in piracy in the Indian Ocean, is due, to a large extent, to the military might of India, and our international partnerships.

He said the Union Government is equipping the Indian Army with modern aircraft, helicopters, submarines, ships and weaponry. He said decisions pending for a long time, are being taken in national interest.

The Prime Minister said that besides the National War Memorial, the National Police Memorial has also been established.

"The Union Government has recognized great national leaders including Sardar Patel, Babasahed Ambedkar, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose," he added.

He said the Union Government would continue to take decisions keeping national interest supreme.