Situation on the Northern border is stable but sensitive says Army Chief Manoj Pande

In a press conference preceding Army Day on January 15, Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, reassured the nation about the stable yet sensitive security situation on the northern border. Here are the key highlights:

Indian army is always ready 

Talking about the Northern Border the Army Chief assured that the situation is stable but sensitive and the force is prepared for everything. General Pande said "The situation on the northern border is stable but sensitive. We continue to talk to find a solution to address and balance issues between the two sides. Operational preparedness is very high, and deployment is both- robust, and balanced..."

The chief further said that ceasefire is maintained along the Line of Control(LoC) between India and Pakistan. The force is also using the anti-drone mechanism to foil attempts of weapons and drug smuggling. He further talked about the increased efforts of infiltration from the Pakistani side and increased terrorist activities in the Rajouri and Poonch sectors.

"As far as the situation in JK is concerned, the ceasefire understanding along the LoC continues to hold. Even though we see infiltration attempts, which we have been able to thwart... We have a strong anti-drone mechanism in place to stop the use of drones to smuggle weapons and narcotics.... The area of Rajouri Poonch has seen increased terrorist activities. Support infrastructure for proxy tandems in the Rajouri Poonch sector from across the border continues..,"said the chief.

The Chief of Army Staff acknowledged increased terrorist activities in the Rajouri Poonch sector, with support infrastructure from across the border. He said "National interests remain paramount and the relevance of hard powers has been established... Disruptive technologies have become the new arena of strategic competition."

Ensuring a stable and secure environment for the nation remains a top priority for security forces. General Pande affirmed, "...Our nation is on the rise firmly on the path of progress in the economic sphere. We are fully aligned to ensure a stable and secure environment, both internal and external, to help our country progress..."

Positive Developments in Northeast India

Talking about the security situation in the Northeastern region, the General said that the government and the security forces are continuously working to stabilize the situation in Manipur. "...The Northeast has witnessed positive developments in the last year because of the proactive policies of the government. The violence parameters have overall come down. Manipur witnessed violence in May last year, but with the combined efforts by the state administration, Army and Assam Rifles, they have been able to stabilise the situation. We are working to normalise the situation and ensure stability...," said General Pande.

Technological Upgrades and Strategic Plans

General Pande discussed the induction of better vehicles, drones, and counter-drone systems. He outlined the restructuring of artillery, electronic warfare units, and electronic intelligence. The Army is working towards reducing animal transport units and replacing them with drones. A strategic plan aims to optimize strength by 2027, reducing significant numbers for efficient operations.

Agniveers Deployment and Shift to Online Exams

Updating on Agniveers recruitment, General Pande mentioned the full deployment of the first two batches in field units, receiving positive feedback. Additionally, 120 women officers with permanent commissions are in command roles in field areas. The Army is transitioning to fully online competitive and promotion exams, aiming to complete the shift by the end of the year.

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