Thwarting infiltrations on LoC figures prominently
Internal security, other issues also discussed
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Oct 20: The Army Commanders Conference which lasted five days in New Delhi is reported to have dwelt in detail on winter strategy for the troops in Eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir besides taking a host of other issues including border and internal security and impact of Israel-Hamas war.
All top Army Commanders from across the country including Northern Command chief Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, whose command looks after LAC with China in Eastern Ladakh and LoC with Pak in Jammu and Kashmir, attended the conference.
The Army is bracing up for fourth consecutive winter of hectic deployment in Eastern Ladakh as no agreement could be reached in further de-escalation in the recent meeting of Corps Commanders level between India and China held on October 11.
Though disengagement has taken place in some areas on the LAC after meetings between the two sides, the Sino-Indian troops remained engaged in many friction points in Eastern Ladakh despite several rounds of dialogue.
The Army Commanders reportedly discussed that the troops will have to brace up for yet another harsh winter, fourth consecutive since 2020, in the Eastern Ladakh and preparations are being made accordingly.
“There appears to be no chances of further de-escalation before the upcoming winter,” the sources said and added that the Army is fully prepared in Eastern Ladakh.
With no apparent forward movement in the talks, the Army is now preparing to go ahead with its winter posture at the LAC which would include a significant redeployment of troops.
At the conference, the Army leadership discussed existing security scenarios, situations along the borders and in the hinterland, and challenges for the security apparatus.
The conference also focused on issues pertaining to organisational restructuring, logistics, administration and human resource management.
Situation along the LoC with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir including Rajouri and Poonch districts in Jammu region and Baramulla and Kupwara districts in Kashmir especially with regard to infiltration attempts during winter is also reported to have figured prominently in the meeting of the Army Commanders.
Though most of the infiltration attempts by the militants backed by Pakistani troops and militant commanders have been successfully thwarted by the Indian Army, there were reports that more intrusion bids could take place before winters.
Internal security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab and impact of Israel-Hamas war was also part of agenda of the Army Commanders conference.
Various other issues were also taken up by the Army Commanders.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Army Commanders on October 18. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and Army chief Gen Manoj Pande also addressed the Army Commanders and had detailed interaction with them on a host of issues.
Rajnath said talks with China on the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh will continue but expressed confidence in the Army to tackle any contingency that could arise.
The comments came days after India and China held the 20th round of military talks in Eastern Ladakh.
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