On the occasion of Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jammu and Kashmir to meet with soldiers and celebrate the festival of light.

The Prime Minister had been visiting Army personnel during Diwali since he took office. This year, he met with soldiers stationed near the Line of Control in the Nowshera sector.

"I am not here as your PM, but as a family member. I have brought blessings of crores of Indians," PM Modi said while addressing soldiers in Nowshera.

"The moment I landed here, my heart was filled with thrill. This place's present is an example of your bravery. You have given a befitting reply to all the conspiracies here in Nowshera," he said.

PM Modi also paid tributes to soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Army Chief General MM Naravane arrived in Jammu yesterday to assess the security situation ahead of PM Modi's visit.

Over the last three weeks, the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri have witnessed a spurt in violence and 11 soldiers have been killed.

In 2019 before COVID-19 hit the country, PM Modi celebrated Diwali at an Army division in Rajouri, and this time he is celebrating the festival with soldiers in Nowshera, which is close to the LoC.