Army chief rushes to Siachen as forces step up readiness

Prime minister Manmohan Singh’s statement, that war was not the most preferred option, notwithstanding, the military has stepped up preparation for a possible confrontation with Pakistan.

Army chief General Deepak Kapoor rushed to Siachen on Tuesday, while the navy summoned the chief of its Mumbai-based western command to Delhi.

Army sources said Kapoor’s unscheduled visit was to review security. He was to be briefed by the Siachen brigade commander and chief of the Leh-based 14 Corps, which guards the Kargil heights and Siachen.

Meanwhile, the combat units of the army continue to be on high alert, and ready for mobilisation. The units have stepped up quick reaction team activities around their present locations and along the border.

The Border Security Force, too, has stepped up alert.

Sources said vice-admiral JS Bedi, chief of the Western Naval Command, was summoned to Delhi to review security preparedness.

The command guards the Arabian Sea. In case of war, it will lead the naval offensive against Pakistan. The navy is already in a state of high alert, with almost two dozen warships aggressively deployed off Mumbai.

There is no official word, but sources said all three forces are in a state of preparedness to carry out any decision the government takes. The forces have reduced leaves, put all units on the highest alert and are ready for both offensive and defensive actions.

The Pakistan military too is in a state of high alert. Sources said Pakistani forces are constantly monitoring Indian movements. On Monday, Pakistan air force fighter planes demonstrated their preparedness over Lahore and Rawalpindi.