1000 kg hand woven khaki tricolor unfurled in Leh
Pak troops supporting infiltration attempts by militants
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 2: Army chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane said today that Pakistan army has been supporting militant infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir and have been asked not to do so even as he stated that the Indian Army has deployed the first K9-Vajra self-propelled howitzer regiment in the Ladakh sector, along the Line of Actual Control, which can strike enemy targets at a distance of around 50 kilometers.
In an interview to a news agency, the Army chief said Pakistan army has been supporting terrorism infiltration and they have been told not to support these acts.
“Of late, there have been increased infiltration attempts not supported by ceasefire violation. During last 10 days, there have been two ceasefire violations…situation is regressing to pre-February days,” he added.
Indian and Pakistan Armies had on February 25 this year entered into fresh agreement to maintain ceasefire on the Line of control (LoC) as well as International Border (IB).
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Gen Naravane said there were no ceasefire violations by the Pakistan army from February till June end but, of late, there have been increased infiltration attempts that weren’t supported by ceasefire violations. “We have conveyed through hotline messages and Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) level talks that take place every week that Pakistan shouldn’t give support to any terror-related activities”.
Referring to situation in Afghanistan, the Chief of Army Staff said they are regularly monitoring the situation in Afghanistan and its possible ramifications and fallouts but added that it’s too early to say exactly what form it will take.
“But we are on the lookout,” he asserted.
He said India expects to hold a 13th round of talks with China on the Ladakh standoff and disengagement of military forces next week, “There has been an increase in the deployment of Chinese troops”, which has been a matter of concern. For the last six months, however, the situation has been “quite normal,” he maintained.
“Chinese (troops) have deployed in considerable numbers all across Eastern Ladakh and Northern Front right up to our Eastern Command. Definitely there has been an increase in their deployment in the forward areas, which remains a matter of concern for us. But we are monitoring all their developments. Based on whatever inputs we get we are carrying out matching developments in terms of infrastructure,” Gen Naravane said.
At the moment, we are quite well poised to meet any eventuality,” he said, adding he doubts “any aggression can be shown in any area”.
On achieving disengagement through dialogue, General Naravane said: “By and by, all friction points will get resolved. I am of the firm opinion that we can resolve our differences through dialogue. I am hopeful we will be able to achieve results. We’re hopeful of having the 13th round of talks in the second week of October and reaching a consensus on how disengagement will take place.”
He said the Indian Army has deployed the first K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzer regiment in Ladakh sector.
“These guns can also work in high-altitude areas; field trials were extremely successful. We have now added an entire regiment, this will be really helpful,” the Army chief said.
Yesterday, the Army chief took stock of operational preparedness in Eastern Ladakh.
An Army spokesperson said he visited several forward areas and was briefed on the current security situation. The Army said he also interacted with the troops and complimented them on their resoluteness and high morale.
Meanwhile, a 1,000 kg hand woven khadi tricolour, the largest in the country, was unfurled atop a high mountain overlooking the Leh valley today to commemorate Gandhi Jayanti and the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence, a defence spokesman said.
Fire and Fury Corps organised a historic event at Leh Garrison where a monumental national flag was unfurled by Lieutenant Governor R K Mathur on a hill feature overlooking the Leh valley.
Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane and GOC-in-C Northern Command Lieutenant General Y K Joshi also attended the event. Lieutenant General PGK Menon, GOC, Fire and Fury Corps and senior military and civil officials were also present.
The grand ceremony was held to celebrate the 152nd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi along with ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, commemorating the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence, the Defence spokesman said.
He said the flag which was unfurled is the largest hand-woven and handspun cotton Khadi flag ever manufactured in India and it measures 225 feet by 150 feet and weighs 1000 kg.
The flag is made by Khadi Dyers and Printers based in Mumbai which is affiliated to the Khadi Village and Industries Commission.
The Sura-Soi Engineer Regiment was entrusted with the responsibility of bringing the national flag from Mumbai to Leh and also with the task of installing it at the top of the high mountains for the unveiling ceremony. The ceremony included a series of events to mark the momentous occasion.
The event commenced with the Brass Band of Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre along with the students of Ladakh Ignited Minds performing the National Anthem when the flag was unveiled, he said.
Advanced light helicopters of the Army Aviation Squadron carried out a fly past and showered flower petals over the tricolour, followed by students of the Lamdon Model School singing a patriotic song symbolising the spirit of nationalism.
The chief guest addressed the gathering of about 500 people which included personnel of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indo Tibetan Border Police, Vikas Battalion, besides veterans, veer naris, NCC cadets and school children.
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