Srinagar: Wrapped in thick woollens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew to the icy heights of Siachen Glacier in Jammu and Kashmir Thursday where he lauded the armed forces and promised a national memorial for Indian soldiers. He later announced an additional relief package of Rs.745 crore for the flood-ravaged state.

The Siachen halt marked the start of a visit on Diwali day to the state where he later met victims of the recent floods - the most destructive in 50 years - at Raj Bhavan, an event boycotted by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.