In an Annual Press Conference held on Thursday, Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, assured the public that the security situation on the northern border remains stable but sensitive. Emphasizing the ongoing dialogue between the involved parties, he mentioned the commitment to finding a balanced solution to address issues. General Pande highlighted the army’s high operational preparedness, ensuring robust and balanced deployment to maintain stability in the region.
The Army Chief provided updates on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, mentioning that the ceasefire understanding along the Line of Control (LoC) continues to hold. Despite occasional infiltration attempts, the security forces have successfully thwarted them. Additionally, he underscored the effectiveness of the anti-drone mechanism in preventing illicit activities, such as weapon and narcotics smuggling. However, General Pande expressed concerns about increased terrorist activities in the Rajouri Poonch sector, with support infrastructure from across the border.
Touching upon the evolving landscape of strategic competition, General Manoj Pande identified disruptive technologies as the new arena for such conflicts. He emphasized the importance of national interests and affirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring a stable and secure environment both internally and externally to facilitate the nation’s progress.
Discussing the security situation in North-East Bharat, General Pande acknowledged positive developments in the region due to proactive government policies. Violence parameters have decreased, and efforts by the state administration, Army, and Assam Rifles have stabilized situations in areas like Manipur. The Army Chief expressed dedication to normalizing the situation further and ensuring sustained stability.
In terms of technological advancements, General Pande revealed that the Army has inducted better vehicles, drones, and counter-drone systems. The adoption of terrain-specific electronic warfare systems, the restructuring of artillery and electronic warfare units, and the gradual replacement of animal transport units with drones were among the innovative measures highlighted. General Pande also shared plans to optimize the Army’s strength, aiming to achieve a significant reduction by 2027.
Addressing recent initiatives, General Manoj Pande informed that the first two batches of Agniveers, a specialized unit, are now fully deployed in field units, receiving positive feedback. Notably, 120 women officers with permanent commissions are currently in command roles in field areas, contributing significantly to the Army’s operations. The Army Chief concluded by announcing the transition to fully online conduct of competitive and promotion exams by the end of the year, showcasing the military’s commitment to embracing modern technologies for efficiency and convenience.
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