Srinagar, May 23 : President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today met soldiers and officers of the Army in forward areas.

President Patil is on a five-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the troops at Baramulla, Patil congratulated them for performing their duties along the Line of Control (LoC) with alertness, dedication and bravery.

“I visited the forward areas and had the opportunity to see all of you working with great vigil. Your discipline, patriotism, dedication and spirit of sacrifice are worthy of emulation,” she said.

“In fact, your bravery, courage and dedication have established high standards for the nation. It is because of these qualities that the Indian Army is considered as one of the leading armies of the world," President Patil added.

After assuming the highest office in the country, this is the first visit by Patil to J-K.

Patil will also visit Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar to deliver the convocation address. She is also scheduled to inaugurate the Institute of Kashmir Studies at Kashmir University in Srinagar.

President Patil will return to New Delhi on June 1. (ANI)