Days after a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley of Eastern Ladakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reached Leh and interacted with personnel of the Army, Air Force and ITBP.
Taking an apparent dig at China, PM Modi said that the age of expansionism is over and added that the new age of development is here. "Age of expansionism is over, this is the age of development. History is witness that expansionist forces have either lost or were forced to turn back," Modi said addressing soldiers in Nimmoo. However, the PM did not mention China at all in his address to the soldiers.
PM Modi also met the injured soldiers in the Galwan Valley clash and said that their bravery will inspire the youth. "The braves who left us, they did not depart without reason, all of you gave a befitting reply. Your bravery, the blood you shed will inspire our youth and countrymen for generations," he said.
"I have come here to thank each one of you. I will take energy with me from here. India will become self-reliant. Neither we ever bowed nor will we bend. I am able to say this because of bravehearts like you. I bow to your mothers who have given birth to warriors like you," he added.
Meanwhile, after the pictures of PM Modi visiting the injured soldiers went viral many on Twitter, many said that it was a "marketing gimmick" and wondered whether it was really a hospital.
"Nearly 3 weeks have passed - Look at the number of Indian soldiers are still being treated in a hospital in Leh, who were injured in the clash with Chinese troops. For Modi's 'photo shoot', their number and identity get exposed! BTW, Is this really a hospital or a youth hostel? I have never seen a hospital only with beds without a single medical equipment," said Ashok Swain, a professor at Uppsala University, Sweden.
"The army should put its foot down and tell Modi it will not be a part of his marketing gimmicks. This is the limit, turning a conference room into a ward for Photo op," wrote a Twitter user. "Did the PM's Office ask for a hospital ward to be staged... with soldiers being made to fake injury... so our PM can get a feel good photo op?" said another Twitter user.
Here are a few Twitter reactions:
Meanwhile, ex-military reservist and HC lawyer Navdeep Singh pointed out that when Chief of Amry Staff MM Naravane had visited the facility last month, a similar picture was seen. Thus, concluding the debate of whether a hospital was staged for PM Modi's visit.
He added that it is a seminar room converted into a recuperation ward for mental well-being. "The injuries could be minor but soldiers are kept in a relaxed & congenial environment, away from fellow patients & troops, for recuperation & debriefing purposes, after every such incident, not only for physical purposes but mental well being & security," he said.
"Guys, Relax. This is the Same Hospital COAS had visited 10 Days back. Check the Bed and Curtains. So this was not staged for Modi Visit and those on the bed are real soldiers, not ANI Employees," said another Twitter user.
UPDATE: The Ministry of Defence on Saturday rubbished claims that the hospital which Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited on his Leh visit was "staged" and a "marketing gimmick".
The Defence Ministry clarified that the facility is a part of Crisis Expansion capacity of 100 beds and is part of Gen Hospital complex.
(With input from Agencies)
