Kutch (Gujarat)

Continuing his tradition of spending Diwali with the armed forces and other security forces on the borders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the festival of lights on Thursday with personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in the Sir Creek area of Gujarat's Kutch.

PM Modi brought festive cheer to the troops stationed at this remote and challenging border location, and was seen offering sweets to the personnel as he participated in the celebrations at Lakki Nala, near Sir Creek. This area, forming part of the creek channel of Sir Creek, marks the beginning of the creek border with Pakistan.

Known for its marshy terrain, the location poses significant challenges for patrol operations and is under the vigilant watch of the BSF.

Sir Creek, a 96-kilometer-long disputed border area between India and Pakistan, often becomes a focal point for infiltration attempts by drug smugglers and terrorists from Pakistan.

PM Narendra Modi posted images of the occasion on X and also wrote a long post:

Glad to have celebrated Diwali with our brave personnel from the BSF, Army, Navy, and Air Force at Lakki Nala in the Creek Area, Kutch. This area is both challenging and remote. The days are scorching hot and it also gets cold. The Creek area has other environmental challenges as… pic.twitter.com/LlcNER4XQF

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2024

However, BSF forces, including their elite Crocodile Commandos, have consistently foiled these threats to safeguard Indian territory.

During his visit, PM Modi lauded the BSF troopers for their unwavering dedication to keeping the nation's border safe and secure under challenging circumstances, sources revealed.

The Prime Minister also engaged with the troops, enquiring about recent changes in their operational environment and discussing potential adjustments to ease their duties, according to sources.

PM Modi took a close look at the creek area, spending about an hour with the personnel before departing for Bhuj.

This visit is a continuation of his annual tradition since 2014 - when he made a surprise visit to the Siachen Glacier - of celebrating Diwali with soldiers deployed at border posts, a gesture that highlights his appreciation for the armed forces' contribution to national security.

Last year, the Prime Minister celebrated Diwali with soldiers in Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh, which is adjacent to the Chinese border.

He termed the occasion of celebrating Diwali with the "brave security forces" in Lepcha as "an experience filled with deep emotion and pride".