During an annual press conference in the national capital ahead of Indian Army Day, Army Chief General Manoj Pande addressed the escalating situation in the Rajouri-Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that Pakistan is actively fostering terrorism in the region. General Pande expressed his concerns, stating that adversaries promote proxy organizations in response to the prevailing peace in the Valley. He specifically highlighted the efforts of the Pakistan Army to consolidate terrorism in the Rajouri and Poonch areas, emphasizing the increase in terrorist activities in the region.
General Pande provided historical context, noting that peace in Jammu and Kashmir had been established by 2003, persisting until 2017-18. However, as peace prevailed in the Valley, he highlighted adversaries' encouragement of proxy organizations, particularly in the Rajouri and Poonch sectors. The Army chief underscored the urgency of addressing the rise in terror incidents, citing the recent attack in Poonch district that resulted in the tragic loss of four soldiers.
During the comprehensive press conference, General Pande offered insights into the encounters in Jammu and Kashmir, revealing that security forces had neutralized 71 terrorists in the Union Territory. Notably, 51 of these encounters occurred in the Kashmir valley, indicating a concentrated effort to combat insurgency.
Shifting the focus to the northern borders that share proximity with China, General Pande described the security situation as "stable but sensitive." He assured that Indian troops maintained a high level of preparedness to tackle any challenges, emphasizing the continued operational readiness and the presence of adequate reserves to address security concerns in the region. While acknowledging ongoing diplomatic efforts to find a resolution, he highlighted the persistence of high operational preparedness.
In light of the tensions along the India-Myanmar border, General Pande expressed concern over the situation, reporting an influx of 416 Myanmar nationals into Mizoram and Manipur. He noted that the prevailing circumstances had prompted certain insurgent groups to attempt crossing into Manipur, warranting close monitoring of the developments in the region. Overall, the Army chief's press conference provided a detailed overview of the security challenges faced by India, spanning from the domestic front in Jammu and Kashmir to the northern and the India-Myanmar borders.
