Defence Minister - Siachen Jawans get special shoes & clothing

11 Oct '06

2 min read

The Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee has said that there will be no delay in the procurement of essential equipment and clothing items, especially those required for the Jawans in the extreme weather conditions of Siachen.

Addressing the Jawans at the Base Camp at Zingrulwa, Shri Mukherjee who was on a day's visit to Siachen, said that special shoes which could be effective in very low temperatures upto minus 50 degrees Celsius would soon be provided to the armed forces personnel deployed in the highest battle field of the world. At present, the shoes worn by the Jawans are not very effective at temperatures less than minus 20 degree Celsius.

He also announced that order for a newly introduced item Avalung is underway which will go a long way in saving the lives of Jawans trapped in avalanches. Keeping in view the harsh conditions of Siachen, Government has decided to rush full stock of clothing authorization to these areas before the onset of winter, he said.

Shri Mukherjee commended the soldiers for their hardwork in the difficult terrain of Siachen for protecting the borders and 'bringing about improvement in the situation in J&K'.

Accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff General J J Singh and GOC of 14 Corps Lt. General J K Mohanty, Shri Mukherjee made an aerial survey of the border areas and thereafter interacted with the Jawans and officers at the Forward Logistic Base, Kumar and had a cup of tea with them. He enquired about their well being and conveyed Diwali greetings to them and their families.

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