We are ready for border offensives: Army

Sending a clear message to India’s neighbors, the Army on Saturday said it was well prepared to deal with any moves from Pakistan or China. “The Army is well prepared to meet any eventuality from Pakistan and China. We maintain an adequate posture in our borders. My troops understand the need to maintain peace along the Line of Control (with Pakistan) and the Line of Actual Control (with China),” said Lieutenant General BS Jaswal, general officer commanding in chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command

The Northern Army commander admitted that there remained some areas of differences in the perception of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), between India and China, in the Ladakh region. “These are being addressed on the diplomatic front. However, building our defence capability and preparing for any contingency is an ongoing process. From the defence point of view we are aware of the ground realities and are prepared to deal with any eventuality,” he said.

Lt Gen Jaswal said the incidents reported in the media are merely transgressions and not incursions (from the Chinese side). “Transgressions are reported by both sides and resolved through regular Border meetings at the local level. On the LAC, peace and tranquility prevails. Both sides patrol upto their perceived lines, as per the agreed Border Management posture,” he said.

The Army commander also sent a tough message to Pakistan for violating the ceasefire and infiltration. “The LoC is a clearly-defined line and accepted by both India and Pakistan. Infiltration across the LoC is something we reckon with failing regularity throughout the year. However, the situation is normal with minor aberrations along the LoC which are addressed through the medium of flag meetings. Ceasefire violations will not be tolerated and effectively responded to,” he said.

There have been 37 infiltration attempts made from January till date, in which 74 terrorists were killed. “Most infiltration bids have been foiled and 74 terrorists were killed, albeit some infiltration has taken place. Adequate measures are in place for an effective domination of the LoC, including synergy of employment of all surveillance means. A three-tier deployment exists, which is dynamic and based on the movement pattern and concentration of terrorists,” he said. The Northern Army commander said militancy in the state has shown a downward trend.