Meeting external, internal threats

15/10/2017

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her first address to the Army Commanders, lauded swift and effective response of Army in any kind of situation and challenges and called upon the troops to be well prepared for facing the threats ahead. She also hailed the troops in dealing with external and internal threats. Sitharaman emphasized the need to guard against inimical forces and talked about the need for integration of all the Services in effectively dealing with emerging challenges. She also stressed on the capability enhancement of the Army in a time bound manner. Chief of Army Staff Gen Bipin Rawat asked the commanders to be prepared for all eventualities at all times.He also emphasized the need to accord priority to procurement of arms, ammunitions and equipment. While Gen Rawat asserted that there will be no compromise with respect to issues related to welfare of the Army men, Sitharaman said keeping up morale of the armed forces personnel will remain a priority. Development of infrastructure along un-demarcated LAC with China including construction of road and rail links, procurement of latest gadgetry and various other strategic issues figured at the Conference of Army Commanders that would last about a week and conclude on Sunday.
While the infrastructure along LoC and IB with Pakistan is almost satisfactory, some operational related issues were reportedly discussed and ongoing tensions on LoC with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir in which Army and civilians have suffered some casualties and attempts of infiltration, aided and abetted by Pakistan and steps to control them, were discussed and strategy devised. Defence Ministry officials have assured the Army Commanders that the Government was committed significantly enhance infrastructure along the nearly 4,000 km-long Sino- India border including around the areas of dispute. The decision was taken in the wake of Dokalam face off with China, which lasted nearly three months at the tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan and ended with simultaneous withdrawal of troops by both the countries.
On boosting infrastructure, sources said "four passes to Niti, Lipulekh, Thangla 1 and Tsangchokla have been decided to be connected by 2020 on priority."It was decided that additional funds will be allotted to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), a defence ministry entity, to carry out infrastructure projects. Situation along LoC and IB in Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan and LAC with China were among the major issues that dominated both the conferences. Preparedness of the troops along frontiers with Pakistan and China including ongoing tensions on LoC with Pakistan, incursions by People's Liberation Army of China at Eastern Ladakh, Doklam and Uttarakhand sometimes and India's response to them were debated threadbare," they said. The Conference of Army Commanders was chaired by Army chief Gen BipinRawat while that of Air Force Commanders was presided over by Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa.

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