President assures Leh of help, praises army (Third Lead)

JAMMU - Assuring the people of flood-hit Leh that more help was on its way, President Pratibha Patil Wednesday paid handsome tributes to the Indian Army which worked tirelessly in rescue and rehabilitation efforts after disaster hit this main town of Jammu and Kashmir’s Ladakh region.

“I am proud that during these difficult times the armed forces acquitted themselves commendably and gave an account of unprecedented courage, selfless devotion and unparalleled dedication, involving themselves in relief, rescue and re-construction efforts,” Patil said in her speech to soldiers of the 14 corps of the Indian Army at Rinchen auditorium in Leh.

Indian Army chief Gen V.K. Singh and Northern Command chief Lt Gen B.S. Jaswal were also present.

She made a special mention of the army doctors, who went beyond the normal handling of their capacity in the army hospital.

The president said that while the army helped in restoring many essential services, there still was a lot of work left.

“You must continue with this work, as the damage has been widespread and, moreover before the onset of winter, much work needs to be done to help rebuild the homes and lives of the people of Ladakh,” Patil urged.

She said she was full of admiration for soldiers posted in the mountainous region.

“I wish to compliment each one of you and all of you for your sincerity, dedication, selflessness and enthusiasm shown each time you are called upon to do so by the nation,” she said.

The president, on a day-long visit to Ladakh, assured the people that the central government was ready to provide all types of help.

“I join him (Prime Minister Manmohan Singh) in assuring that no effort will be spared in relief and rehabilitation work,” Patil said.

She distributed some gifts among the people and interacted with them during the visit to the main town in the predominantly Buddhist Ladakh region.

Leh district of Ladakh has borders with both Pakistan and China and also has the Siachen glacier, the highest battlefield of the world. It has substantial presence of the army and the Indian troops were the first to launch rescue and relief operations after the flash floods.

Patil also visited the worst-hit areas like Choglamsar, where she met the people in relief camps. She assured them that the “whole nation was with them in this hour of crisis”, an official said.

“Both the central and the state governments will help you rebuild your lives,” she assured the grieving people.

The prime minister had earlier announced a relief grant of Rs.125 crore.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also briefed the president on the way his government was engaged in reconstructing the houses for the people.

The president was received at the Leh airport by Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra and Abdullah and some of his senior cabinet colleagues besides senior officials of the Indian Army, Air Force and the civil administration.

Union New and Renewable Energy Resources Minister Farooq Abdullah, who is also a former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, accompanied Patil during her visit.

Hundreds of locals lined up along the road from the airport to the main town to greet the president.

Flash floods triggered by a cloud burst devastated large parts of Ladakh’s biggest town Leh Aug 6. At least 183 people, including 35 armymen, were killed and about 200 people are still missing.