Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday visited the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district.This is the Defence Minister's first visit to the Valley after the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes against terror launching pads across the LoC in the state. The Indian Army chief, General Dalbir Singh and other senior army commanders accompanied the Defence M Minister during his visit to the LoC and the Brigade headquarters in Uri garrison town.Eighteen soldiers were killed by Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) jihadi militants in Uri on September 18.The Defence Minister was briefed about the latest situation on the LoC arising out of frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan.He also reviewed the preparedness of the troops who are defending the country's borders under extremely difficult weather and terrain.The Defence Minister will on Thursday pay homage to Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India's highest military honour.The ceremony will be held in Badgam district on the 69th martyrdom day of the Major who made the supreme sacrifice fighting tribal invaders in 1947.