NEW DELHI: Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi He held his first press conference after assuming office on Saturday and highlighted the Indian Army’s readiness to address any situation along the sensitive Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, Pakistan (LOC), Manipur and the northern border.
Underlining the operational preparedness of the Army, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Dwivedi said: “Our deployment is balanced and robust; We are capable of handling any situation.”
Preparation along LAC:
Discussing the situation along the northern borders, General Dwivedi commented: “The situation is delicate but stable.” He noted significant progress in key areas of eastern Ladakh, such as Depsang and Demchok, which have witnessed renewed patrolling and herding activities after years of restrictions.
“In October, the situation in Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh was resolved. Patrolling has begun in the traditional areas of these two subsectors. Likewise, traditional grazing has also begun in these two areas,” he noted.
He added: “I have authorized all my co-commanders to handle these matters at the ground level with respect to patrolling and herding so that these trivial matters can be resolved at the military level. The deployment itself in LAC is balanced and solid. We are well prepared to face any situation. Focusing on developing capabilities for the northern borders has enabled the infusion of niche technology into a warfighting system.”
On the situation in Manipur:
Talking about the situation in Manipur, the Army Chief said that there is gradual improvement in the region and the situation is under control. He said, “In Manipur, synergistic efforts of security forces and proactive government initiatives have brought the situation under control. However, cyclical incidents of violence continue. “We are working to establish peace in the region.”
Highlighting the reconciliation efforts in Manipur, he said, “Various NGOs and our veterans are approaching community leaders to carry out a kind of reconciliation.” On the Indo-Myanmar border, he assured, “enhanced surveillance and domination have been implemented to guard against a spillover of turbulence that is taking place in Myanmar as of now.”
General Dwivedi also revealed that Rs 17 million had been allocated for upgrading Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) and Medical Quick Reaction Teams, based on lessons learned in 2024.
Challenges on the border with Pakistan:
Addressing the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and along the Line of Control (LOC), General Dwivedi shared the continued vigilance of the Army. He pointed out that 60% of the terrorists eliminated last year were of Pakistani origin and added: “As of today, whatever is left in the Valley and Jammu area, we believe that around 80% or more are of Pakistani origin.” ”.
He further said: “The situation is firmly under control. On the Line of Control, the ceasefire in force from February 2021 remains in force after the agreement of the DGMO. However, the terrorist infrastructure remains intact. Infiltration attempts continue, including from sector IB. The last few months have seen a rise in terrorist activities in North Kashmir and the Doda-Kishtwar belt. The general parameters of violence are under control.”
Highlighting the success of events like the Amarnath Yatra, attended by over five lakh pilgrims this year, and peaceful elections, General Dwivedi said, “The issue of terrorism for tourism is gradually taking shape.”
Vision of transformation and self-sufficiency:
General Dwivedi articulated a vision for the transformation of the Army into a self-reliant and future-ready force. “My mission is to ensure full-spectrum preparedness and at the same time transform the Indian Army into a future-ready ‘atmanirbhar’ force that is a relevant and key pillar of the national security apparatus that also contributes significantly to nation-building.” “, said.
He linked these efforts with India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 and said, “Our lines of efforts with respect to developed nation by 2047 are truly aligned.”
Acknowledging the role of the media, General Dwivedi said: “You (the press) are a vital channel between the army and the citizens. His progressive and constructive reports help the Indian Army in the right perspective.” He emphasized the potential synergy between the media and security forces and added: “I am a strong advocate of the theme that the media and security forces have great potential to converge together towards nation building.” and national security.”