Army Chief speaks out

Ahead of Army Day on 15 January, Army Chief Gen. Bikram Singh addressed a press conference in the national capital where he highlighted the Army's stand on various issues including AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir and ceasefire violations along the LOC. Though it is customary for the Army Chief to address the annual press conference on the eve of Army Day, yet General Bikram Singh has been unusually candid and forthright in reacting to some sensitive issues with which the Army is dealing. His address is a fine blend of patriotism and professionalism of an Army that has been raised in a democratic country. The core of his message was that the Army upholds national interest supreme, and nothing will be allowed to come in its way of preserving national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He dealt with a wide range of subjects, some very sensitive, pertaining to defence matters and parameters of deployment and operational policy set forth for the Army to follow. It is a verdict on how Army is to conduct itself in a democratic state even when involved in armed action. At least on three topics, the Army Chief was candid. He repudiated dilution of AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir in view of the prevailing situation in the region, including possible terrorist spill-over into the Valley after the US withdraws from Afghanistan. His apprehensions of Afghan spill-over are not unfounded as Kashmir is very much on the agenda of Pakistan-based armed jihadi organizations. Therefore we need to wait and watch what ultimately happens in Afghanistan. It has also to be remembered that Pakistan is keenly waiting for Taliban to take the reins of power in their hands in Kabul after the exit of NATO. India may need to reinforce her defence position in J&K.

On ceasefire violations along the LOC the Army Chief strongly justified India's retaliation to ceasefire violation in Jammu and Kashmir. The fact is that Pakistan Army has been violating the cease fire agreement with the tacit purpose of providing cover fire to infiltrating jihadis. The General has no option but to retaliate to such violations. That is the new doctrine for cease fire violations committed by the Pakistani side. Local commanders have been given powers to retaliate. Honest upholding of rules would be reciprocated as honestly by the Indian side. But how can anybody expect India to sit silently and allow the adversary break the agreement and embark on aggressive designs? The endeavour is not to escalate the situation into operational or strategic arena. It is to deal with the same measure if not more and give a befitting response in a professional manner at place where we are fired upon. The General made it crystal clear that the Indian forces retaliate but never initiate. Should Pakistan Army stop providing cover fire to the infiltrators, they cannot succeed in sneaking inside our territory at the LOC.

The Army Chief dispelled the doubts that we did not react adequately to the barbaric act of Pakistanis of beheading an Indian soldier after they had intruded into Indian side. He was very forthright in saying that adequate or even more than adequate steps were taken. On the basis of that action, the General exuded confidence that in any event of violation of ceasefire, retaliation will take place.

On China's intrusion along the LAC the Army Chief was of the view that it was wrong to say India did not act on repeated intrusions by China, adding that there were talks at the diplomatic level as well. There has been an improvement in the situation along the LAC. Attempts are on to ensure the ceasefire agreement is adhered to, he said, adding that there is inadequacy at the moment regarding infrastructure development along the Indo-China LAC. The General said that Chinese troops did enter deep in Despong region in Ladakh but when countered by our Army, there ensued talks and finally the Chinese withdrew. He said that these small intrusions happen because there are areas unmarked as yet. However diplomatic efforts on both sides are going on to have a viable border security machination.

Commenting on overall security scenario, the General said that there was a comprehensive scheme of securing our borders so that nobody has the courage to violate it. We are upgrading the infrastructure needed for security of borders like roads, railways, bridges etc.

Army is raising Mountain Strike Corps and the 59 Division has been raised at Panagarh in West Bengal, one brigade each has been raised in Eastern Command and Northern Command and all the formations are being raised under a well laid out plan. On human rights issues, the General said that the orders are that there will be zero tolerance on human rights issues and some Jawans and officers found guilty of abusing human rights of civilians have been dealt with according to the law..

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Courtesy: The Daily Excelsior: 16th January, 2024