Poonch Civilian Deaths: Army Chief Assures Fair Probe, Strict Action

NEW DELHI: The Army is going through a transformation process with the objectives being to right size, restructure and optimise. The aims include being more modern, agile, adaptable, administratively better at managing its operational logistical requirements. It has to be technology enabled so as to be able to meet future security challenges in a more effective manner.

More and more fields like AI, quantum computing, 5G and other technological advances are being utilised. The force will have more secure communications on its network utilising 5G in the future. The Army is coming up with the 5G roadmap for integrated military applications?

The developing military defence industry ecosystem is also maturing with the defence industry stepping up investments in R&D as well as modern manufacturing techniques. Moving forward, we will find Indigenous solutions to our requirements.

Alongside. the Army will have to work out a lot of new operational concepts and employment philosophies, tactics, techniques and procedures, and meet new maintenance requirements. Its manpower will need to be skilled to unleash disruptive and modern technologies.

As far as human resource management is concerned, the third batch of Agniveers have joined. The feedback from the initial two batches is extremely positive and encouraging. Induction of more women officers is on, and the big achievement is, for the first time women officers have started commanding units. Induction of more women officers, is just one part of the story, but the second and more important is of women officers being slotted for commanding units.

As far as the standoff with China is concerned, the Army has been there for three and a half years, since the summer of 2020, till now. The standoff in Ladakh, continues. There haven’t been any major incidents. However, we need to constantly monitor the situation and keep a close watch on developments. Talks to find a solution are continuing at the military as well as diplomatic levels.

Rebalancing of the forces has been undertaken and the logistics checked out in the interim period. The focus is on infrastructure, development of roads, power supply. These projects pay dividends in terms of better governance. Approximately, 400 company sized modules have been created to serve as habitats. Helipads have been created and underground storage facilities made. Major issues are being addressed by working with central ministries and local authorities. Inter sectorial connectivity is being prioritised.

The role of the Air Force is going to be extremely critical, especially in areas where road connectivity is not up to the desired level. And that is where the transport aircraft and their ability to induct troops in a short period of time, matters.

The local populace being with us is a key issue and the infrastructure being built will connect them more closely to our hinterland. The program for Vibrant Villages is a great step forward in this regard. The Army is engaging with various agencies, different ministries at the state and the centre to ensure the outcomes of all endeavours are synergised maximally.

Switching over to J&K, the Army Chief Manoj Pande assured that the recent aberrations in the conduct of an operation is being investigated thoroughly. The guilty will be dealt with. The Army will conduct itself most professionally and in sync with its ethos. The Army will continue to engage with the local community. There’s a new phase in J&K. It’s extremely important to work in sync with other agencies fighting the terrorists; both police and intelligence establishments.

As far as the Army Chief’s key areas of focus are concerned, these remain the situation along both the LoC and LAC, and a possible combined upsurge along both.