Tahir Mushtaq
Ramban/Jammu, DD, As Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh visited Ramban district to assess the aftermath of flash floods and landslides, an unexpected wave of patriotic fervor emerged from the local community, particularly among retired servicemen. Several ex-army personnel expressed their readiness to rejoin active duty if tensions with Pakistan escalate further.
Amid the relief efforts underway in affected villages, former soldiers told reporters they are willing to take up arms again to defend the country. “We may be retired, but our blood still boils with the same patriotism,” said Ghulam Nabi, a former subedar from the Indian Army. “If the government calls on us to fight against Pakistan, we’ll report without hesitation. We were soldiers once, and we will always be soldiers at heart.”
Another veteran, Krishan Lal, who served in the Kargil conflict, echoed similar sentiments. “We’ve served in harsh terrains and during high-stress operations. We are trained and ready. All we need is the call from the nation.”
Tensions between India and Pakistan have seen a steady uptick in recent months, with multiple ceasefire violations reported along the Line of Control (LoC). In regions like Ramban—home to many serving and retired defense personnel—the border situation resonates deeply with the public psyche.
The district, located strategically on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, is not just vulnerable to natural disasters but also geopolitically sensitive due to its proximity to the LoC. In recent weeks, intelligence inputs have hinted at possible attempts by infiltrators to take advantage of weather disruptions to cross into Indian territory.
Dr Jitendra Singh, during his visit, acknowledged the deep sense of patriotism among residents and lauded the contributions of ex-servicemen in both war and peace. “The spirit of service in this region is unmatched. From defending the borders to assisting in local crises, the people of Ramban, particularly our veterans, embody the highest ideals of national service,” he said.
He assured that the government is taking both the relief situation and security preparedness seriously. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the developments, and the Centre stands ready to support both the disaster-affected families and our forces on the front lines.”
With many villages still recovering from landslide damage and unstable weather conditions, the district is on alert. However, the sentiment on the ground is clear—Ramban is not just braving floods, but ready to rise in defense of the nation if needed.(DD)
