Won’t let any attempt to change status quo along India’s border to succeed: Army Chief

NEW DELHI: Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Saturday said that the Indian Army’s message is clear that it will not let any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo along the country’s borders succeed.

While Speaking at the Army Day parade, Gen Naravane said that last year was challenging for the Army because of the China tensions and to keep the situation under control the 14th meeting took place recently.

“There was disengagement at multiple points last year. Joint efforts at various levels led to disengagement in many areas which is a constructive step,” he said.

Army Day is observed on January 15 to mark Field Marshall K M Cariappa taking over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, replacing his British predecessor in 1949.

Talking about the situation along the LoC, the Army chief said that it is better than the previous year but Pakistan is still harbouring miltants.

“Nearly 300-400 militants are waiting to intrude in India. A total of 144 militants were killed in counter operations,” he said.
He asserted that the morale of the soldiers deployed on snow-capped mountains for the country’s security was sky-high.

“Our patience is a sign of our self-confidence, but no one should make the mistake of testing it,” Gen Naravane said. (Agencies)