Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, July 25: Army chief Gen Bikram Singh today assured the nation that the Indian Army is fully capable to safeguard nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and that its preparedness is much better today than what it was 15 years ago when the war was fought with Pakistan in the heights of Kargil in 1999.
In brief interaction with media and address to jawans and war widows at Drass, the world’s second coldest place after Siberia, in Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir, Gen Singh declared that the troops were fully prepared to meet with any eventuality on the borders.
“We are fully geared up to meet with any situation. Our defence preparedness is far better today than what it was 15 years ago when we fought the war in the heights of Kargil,” Gen Singh said and assured the people that the troops were well prepared to guard and protect the borders.
Army had to fight for more than two months along with Indian Air Force to push back Pakistan Army, which had captured the heights at Kargil during the winter. It was on July 26 that entire Kargil sector was cleared of Pakistan Army and infiltrators. July 26 is observed by the country as ‘Vijay Divas’.
Replying to a question on ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the Line of Control (LoC) frequently, the Army chief said: “as you very well know that this kind of firing has been on and this thing has been happening almost every month and every year, but let me assure you that your soldiers are taking necessary action whenever required.”
He said the Army jawans were giving adequate response to ceasefire violations and taking all measures to ensure that the infiltration attempts didn’t succeed.
It may be mentioned here that during past few days, the ceasefire violations by Pakistan Army and infiltration attempts by the militants have both been reported from the LoC and International Border but troops have not allowed designs of the militants to succeed.
Replying to another question, Gen Singh, who is retiring on July 31, said: “the Government is totally committed towards ensuring that the needs of the Army are met and the force is “fully geared” up to take on the challenges”. “As Chief of Army Staff, I want to assure you that your Army is stationed at the border and has the ability to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country,” he said.
“As you know that I am hanging my boots on July 31 and I thought what better way of saying goodbye to the profession than coming here and laying a wreath on the war memorial by paying tributes to the soldiers, who sacrificed their lives for the nation during Kargil war in 1999,” he said.
Asked if things have changed in terms of deficiencies in the Army since Kargil war, he said: “yes, things have changed. Let me tell you all the armies have deficiencies. It is not only that the Indian Army has deficiencies.
“But things are being made up. The present Government is totally committed towards ensuring that our needs are met. Our deficiencies are met. So let me assure you that your Army is fully geared to take on the challenges. I personally guarantee you that”.
Replying to a question, Gen Singh said the life of a soldier has improved since the Kargil incursions took place in 1999.
“It has improved by leaps and bounds in a very distinct manner,” he said.
“The aspirations of the force with regards to the security needs are being addressed by the government. Let me assure you that the present government is definitely committed towards ensuring that the aspirations of our soldiers are met,” he said.
Asked about the absence of senior Army officers, who were part of Kargil war, from the function today, Gen Singh said he cannot comment on it as they might have had prior commitments.
“Look I cannot comment on that. It is possible that they are abroad, they are busy. They might have prior commitments. But let me assure you that each one of those officers has a commitment towards this cause,” he said.
Gen Singh later interacted with war widows present at the function and distributed gifts among them.
Earlier, Gen was received at Drass by Lt General D S Hooda, Army Commander, Northern Command and Lt General B S Negi, General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps (14 Corps headquartered at Leh).
The visit started with a solemn wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial by the Army chief.
Gen Singh interacted with the next of kin of the martyrs, Veer Naris and the gallantry award winners.
In the somber mood at the event, all those present remembered the losses borne proudly by the families of those who sacrificed their sons, husbands and brothers in Kargil War in 1999.
The event and venue is of a special significance to the General who has not only been the Commander of the Corps at Srinagar but was also the official spokesperson for the Army during the Kargil war.
Gen Singh also complimented the media for their patriotic fervor and thanked them for covering the Kargil Vijay Divas celebrations year after year.
He stated that paying homage to the martyrs, who laid down their lives for the nation’s cause, was the most befitting way for him to mark the culmination of his career in the Army
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