In an exclusive interview conducted with India Today, General Manoj Pande, the Army Chief, underscored the ongoing efforts to fortify the nation's border infrastructure. He emphasized the substantial enhancements being made to bolster defenses along the borders. Additionally, General Pande reflected on the stability yet sensitivity characterizing the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, expressing optimism for prospective resolutions in the foreseeable future.
Expounding further, General Pande indicated that there have been no new instances of contentious border zones emerging over the past year. He highlighted the robust and equitable deployment of troops in the region, ensuring a resilient defensive posture. Moreover, he elaborated on the continuous engagement in dialogue and negotiations, both at military and diplomatic levels, with the adversarial counterpart, conveying a hopeful outlook for resolving lingering issues.
In regards to counter-terror operations, General Pande revealed that the Army achieved significant success, neutralizing 71 terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir during the previous year. Furthermore, he disclosed the deployment of two cohorts of Agniveer within the Army, with units stationed along the Line of Control (LoC) and the LAC. General Pande also articulated plans for implementing a structured system to accommodate personnel remaining in the Army beyond four years, affirming a progressive trajectory for the force in alignment with the Agniveer initiative.
Recalling the unrest witnessed nationwide in 2022 following the announcement of the Agniveer scheme by the central government, General Pande acknowledged the grievances expressed by protesters concerning the provision of a four-year service commitment and the prescribed age limit for aspirants. On the front of armaments, he disclosed forthcoming trials for light tanks developed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), slated for May or June. Stressing the pivotal role of light tanks in the Army's operational framework, General Pande highlighted the provision of various indigenous systems, including All Train Vehicles, Special Mobility Vehicles, and drones, particularly tailored for operational requirements in eastern Ladakh.
