JK News Today
Jammu , March 02 : The Northern Command chief of the Indian Army, Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday assured the nation that his troops deployed from the plains of Jammu to the dizzying Himalayan heights in Ladakh would offer a stiff response to any adverse move by the adversary on the borders . He also claimed that the situation within Jammu and Kashmir , the land once plagued by high-velocity terrorism is improving .
Gen. Dwivedi was speaking at an investiture ceremony held at Mathura Military Station . He spotlighted the challenges and the firm resolve of the Indian army to overcome these challenges. In particular , he reflected on the situation in eastern Ladakh where the Indian army is faced with a difficult situation inflicted by China with military deployment and war machinery .
Giving an overview of the situation along the LAC- Line of Actual Control , which is deemed as de-facto border with China , Gen. Dwivedi asserted : On the LAC , we are ever-ready to respond to any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo. Progressive initiatives for tri-services and inter-agency cooperation to include ITBP and BSF and other CAPFs have borne desired results.
Coordinated training, exercises and operational tasks are being undertaken by all stakeholders to streamline procedures and enhance our ability to robustly defend our borders. Measures to resolve the LAC situation at diplomatic and operational levels are also simultaneously underway. Any adverse aggressive designs or attempts will definitely be met with appropriate posturing of Forces and a strong intent.”
Gen. Dwivedi said that the areas of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh under Northern Command , were “ very important for India from the geographical and strategic point of view.,”
He explained that how the unique operational situation of Northern Command along borders warrants undivided attention to operational preparedness in order to guard the Line of Control ( with Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir) , LAC along China border and Actual Ground Position Line at Siachen glacier , the highest battlefield in the world, while keeping the hinterland safe and thus Northern Command is “Always in Combat”. “
He commended the brave soldiers of the Northern Command for their, what he called “ excellent performance “ in Operation Rakshak ( counter-insurgency operation launched in Kashmir in June 1990 ), Operation Meghdoot of 1984 at Siachen glacier and Operation Snow Leopard ( airlifting of Afghans) in 2021 .
On the most crucial part of the Northern Command’s work in taming terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the Northern Command chief said ,” The situation in Union Territory of of Jammu and Kashmir has been slowly moving towards normalcy. Efficient persistence in operational planning has resulted in real time tracking and neutralizing of 186 terrorists in high-risk operations in the year 2022. The highest standards of professionalism and jointness displayed by the troops in all dimensions of Counter Terror Operations has nullified/ limited the kinetic threat.”
He said that the situation along the LoC has “remained stable and the Cease Fire Understanding continues to sustain. A very strict vigil and a robust technology enabled multi-tiered counter infiltration grid is being maintained, to thwart any attempts at infiltration. CF violations, infiltration bids or any other misadventure attempted by the adversary will be dealt with firmly. “
