The situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China is stable and under control, and yet unpredictable, Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande said Thursday, adding that there has been a slight increase in the deployment of Chinese troops in the eastern sector, but India has adequately deployed its soldiers. Addressing the media ahead of the Army Day on 15 January, Gen Pande said India has ramped up infrastructure development along the border and deployed adequate troops and equipment to deal with any contingency. He assured that our forces are ready to deal with any situation along the Line of Actual Control.
“The situation along the border with China is stable but unpredictable. We have been able to resolve five of the seven issues that were on the table. We continue to talk both at the military and diplomatic levels. We have enough reserves to deal with any contingency, he said. The troops deployed along the Line of Actual Control had been able to maintain a robust posture to prevent any attempts from adversaries to unilaterally change the status quo in a firm and resolute manner, Gen Pandey added.
On Doklam, he said the situation is being closely watched, and all activities monitored; without elaborating any further.
On infrastructure upgrade along the Chinese border, the Army Chief said, “In the last three years, around Rs, 1300 crores have been spent in Ladakh for infrastructure and habitat requirements. In the last two years, habitats for around 55,000 troops, 400 guns have been completed in the eastern Ladakh sector”.
Speaking on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Gen Pande said the ceasefire understanding with Pakistan, which came about in February 2021, is holding well. However cross-border terrorism and terror infrastructure in the Union Territory continues. “There is a marked reduction in the parameters of violence. Hence, we have to remain alert,” he said.
Speaking about the northeast, he said peace has returned to most states. “The economic activities and the development initiatives have yielded good results,” he observed.
On the induction of the Russian assault rifle AK-203, General Pande said the components required for the initial 5000 rifles are expected to be delivered by March this year. India is set to manufacture six lakh rifles indigenously in collaboration with Russia.
The General said that Army Day, observed on the 15 January, will be a special occasion this year as it is the 75th year of Indian independence. “This Army Day is special as it is also the 75th year of India’s independence. We are also fully aligned with the future national vision. We have decided to undertake a transformation,” he said.
General Pande said women officers might be commissioned soon into the Indian Army’s Corps of Artillery as a proposal has been forwarded to the government for assent.
Ravi Shankar
