Army is ready to tackle any contingency on China border, says General Pande

The Indian army is maintaining a strong defensive posture and ready to tackle any contingency on the China border, Army chief General Manoj Pande said today.

Addressing the 75th Army Day celebrations in Bengaluru, General Pande said, “In the northern border areas, the situation has been normal and through established protocols and  existing mechanisms, necessary steps have been taken to maintain peace. Maintaining a strong defence posture at LAC, we are ready to tackle any contingency,” he said.

General Pandey said the Army firmly faced security-related challenges over the last year and ensured the security of borders. “It also further strengthened its preparations for future wars,” news agency ANI quoted him as saying.

In a veiled attack on Pakistan, the Army Chief said though ceasefire violations saw a dip along the western border, still there is a terror infrastructure on the other side and several proxy outfits have resorted to targeted killings to gain visibility.

“Army, along with other security forces, is determined to foil all such attempts. Our counter-infiltration grid is continuously foiling the infiltration from there,” he said.

He stressed the people of Jammu and Kashmir have rejected violence and are welcoming positive changes.

For the first time ever, the Army Day parade which used to be held in New Delhi since its inception in 1949, was held outside the national capital this year.

General Pande reviewed the parade and presented gallantry awards for individual acts of bravery and sacrifice.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday conveyed his wishes to army personnel and veterans for Army Day. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said, “On Army Day, I convey my best wishes to all army personnel, veterans and their families. Every Indian is proud of our Army and will always be grateful to our soldiers. They have always kept our nation safe and are widely admired for their service during times of crisis.”

Army Day is observed each year to commemorate the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) K M Cariappa took over command of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief on  January 15, 1949 thus becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief after Independence. It is a day on which the country observes to honour its soldiers, who have set the greatest example of selfless service and brotherhood and love for the nation.

This year, the celebrations are taking place under the supervision of Southern Command which is headquartered in Pune. The parade witnessed eight marching contingents, including a horse-mounted contingent from the Army Service Corps and a military band composed of five regimental brass bands.

Another event will be held at the Army Service Corps (ASC) Centre and College in Bengaluru in the afternoon. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be the chief guest at the event.