Defence Minister says Army can deal with any contingency along LAC, asks military top brass to ‘remain vigilant’
Jammu, Apr 19, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that synergised operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are contributing to increased stability and peace in the region and the same should continue. He also expressed confidence in the Army’s capabilities to deal with any contingency along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. As per the news agency, the Defence Minister while addressing the Army Commanders’ Conference, complimented Army’s response to cross-border militancy and asked the military top brass to “remain vigilant as a proxy war by the adversary continues”.
“I compliment the excellent synergy between the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Police forces and Army in tackling the menace of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir,” Rajnath said, adding, “The synergised operations in Jammu and Kashmir are contributing to increased stability and peace in the region and the same should continue, and for this, I again compliment the Indian Army.” The Defence Minister commended the Army for its “high standard of operational preparedness and capabilities”.
Referring to the Eastern Ladakh border standoff, he expressed full confidence in the Army to deal with any contingency while noting that ongoing talks for a peaceful resolution of the row will continue and that disengagement and de-escalation were the best way forward. Expressing his gratitude, Rajnath remarked, “It is our ‘Whole of Government’ approach to ensure availability of best weapons, equipment and clothing to our troops braving extreme weather and hostile forces to defend our territorial integrity.”
The Defence Minister also hailed the efforts of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which has led to the incomparable improvement of road communication in the borders both Western and Northern, while working under difficult conditions. Earlier, the first Army Commanders’ Conference of the year 2023, commenced on April 17 in a hybrid format.
During the event, the Indian Army’s apex leadership is comprehensively deliberating upon all aspects of existing security scenarios, situations along the borders and in the hinterland and challenges for the present security apparatus. In addition, the conference is also focusing on the issues pertaining to organisational restructuring, logistics, administration and human resource management.