Kolkata (West Bengal) / New Delhi [India], October 20 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit in the Gurez Valley, stating that the soldiers at the borders is an extended part of his family.

Speaking to ANI, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is correct when he says that soldiers on the borders are his family. Every year he takes time out to celebrate Diwali with his extended family (i.e. Army). He has always accepted the soldiers as his family and this time too he has spent time with them. The soldiers are very glad and proud to receive sweets and gifts from him. This gesture of his (PM Modi) makes us feel proud of him."

Echoing similar views, another BJP leader C.K. Bose asserted that Army has always played an important part in the country that is why Prime Minister Modi has showed his love towards them.

"Prime Minister Modi has always shared his love and respect to the soldiers at the borders. His love and concern towards them shows how much they are respected and recognised. The Army has always played an important part in the country and this is how we should make them feel special," he said.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Modi exchanged sweets and pleasantries with army soldiers and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in the Gurez Valley of Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora District on the occasion of Diwali.

Prime Minister Modi, who spent nearly two hours with them, said he considered the soldiers as his 'family.'

Prime Minister Modi also assured that the Centre is committed to the welfare and betterment of the armed forces, in every way possible, and also mentioned the implementation of 'One Rank One Pension' scheme (OROP). (ANI)