Threat has by no means been reduced, will continue to deal with China in firm manner: Army chief on border row

Army Chief General MM Naravane, on Wednesday, said that India has continued to maintain the highest level of operational preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) while at the same time is engaging with the Chinese PLA in dialogue to resolve the border dispute.

“On northern borders, we have continued to maintain the highest level of operational preparedness while at the same time, we are engaging with PLA through dialogue,” he said at a press briefing while commenting on the eastern Ladakh border row.

The Army chief also asserted that India will continue to deal with the Chinese troops in a “firm and resolute” manner and that they are “more than adequately” prepared to deal with any military ramifications.

“While there has been partial engagement, the threat has by no means been reduced,” General Naravane said.

The Army chief said that they are hopeful of resolving issues at Patrolling Point 15 (Hot Springs) as the two countries today held the 14th round of military talks on the eastern Ladakh standoff.

“Talks are underway. While talks are underway, there is always hope that we will be able to resolve our differences through dialogue. We are much better prepared to meet any challenge that is thrown up at us in the future and I can assure you on that very confidently,” he said.

Army chief on situation along LOC

The Army chief said that there has been an increase in the number of terrorists in various launch pads along the Line of Control and there have been repeated attempts of infiltration.

“On the western front, along the Line of Control, after a heightened situation for a long period…the situation has seen a marked improvement. But notwithstanding that there is an increase in the concentration of terrorists in various launch pads along the Line of Control and there have been repeated attempts of infiltration,” he said.

“This exposes the nefarious designs of our western neighbour. But we on our party have resolved to show zero tolerance,” he added.

The Army chief further asserted that necessary safeguards are in place to take care of any contingencies along India’s northern border.

Gen Naravane on Nagaland killings

The Army chief said that the incident of killings of civilians in Nagaland last month is being thoroughly investigated and that inquiry report is expected to come out in a day or two.

“The regrettable incident that occurred in Oting, Nagaland on December 4 is being thoroughly investigated. We remain committed to the security of our countrymen, even during the conduct of operations,” he said.

As many as 14 civilians were allegedly killed by security forces, including six in a botched anti-terrorist operation, and eight others in subsequent incidents in Nagaland’s Mon district on December 4 and 5. One soldier was also killed in a subsequent attack by agitated local villagers who surrounded the jawans upon receiving the news.

The incident led to massive outrage across the country and reignited the demand for repeal of the law.