Army Chief General Manoj Pande Expresses Concern Over India-Myanmar Border And Ongoing Terrorist Activities In Jammu-Kashmir

At the annual press conference ahead of Army Day, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande has expressed concern over the situation at the India-Myanmar border and highlighted ongoing terrorist activities in the Rajouri-Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir, as reported by Hindustan Times.

General Pande provided insights into the prevailing security scenarios along India's borders, emphasising that the situation at the northern border, particularly in Ladakh, is currently stable yet sensitive.

Addressing the three-year-long confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh, General Pande stated, “We continue to talk both at the military and diplomatic levels, as per established protocols and procedures to find a resolution to the balance issues which remain.”

General Pande assured that India's operational preparedness remains high, with a robust and balanced deployment of forces.

Regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, he highlighted the continued adherence to the ceasefire along the Line of Control and the Indian Army's success in thwarting infiltration attempts with a strong anti-drone mechanism.

However, General Pande also observed, “The situation and terrorist activities in Rajouri and Poonch in the last 5-6 months have been an issue of concern to us. By 2003, terrorism in this area was fully disseminated and peace was established there till 2017-18. Because peace is coming in the valley, our adversaries are encouraging proxy tanzeems in the area,” in an obvious reference to Pakistan.

Turning to the India-Myanmar border, General Pande highlighted the impact of activities by the Myanmar army and ethnic armed organisations.

He reported instances of Myanmar army personnel and Bhutanese civilians seeking shelter in Indian territories.

The COAS expressed vigilance over insurgent groups attempting to cross the border into the Indian state of Manipur, with plans to strengthen the border fence.

In response to emerging challenges, General Pande stated, “We have restructured our artillery unit. We also have restructured units of electronic warfare and electronic intelligence. We have started the process of reducing animals in our animal transport units and they are being replaced by drones... We have made a plan and optimise our strength by significant numbers and by 2027 we will achieve an optimisation of one lakh numbers. We have given the proposal to the government."