Military Option On The Table If Talks Fail To Restore Status Quo Ante In Ladakh, Says CDS Bipin Rawat

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India General Bipin Rawat has explicitly stated that a military option to push back the Chinese transgressors from the eastern Ladakh territory is on the table, reports Hindustan Times.

CDS Rawat, however, added that the military option is on the table and will be only exercised if the talks between the armies of the two nations and the diplomats do not result into the restoration of status quo ante along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

CDS Rawat said, "Transgressions along the LAC occur due to differing perceptions about its alignment. Defence services are tasked to monitor and carry out surveillance and prevent such transgressions turning into intrusions. Whole of government approach is adopted to peacefully resolve any such activity and prevent intrusions. Defence services always remain prepared for military actions should all efforts to restore status quo along the LAC do not succeed."

CDS Rawat also elaborated that Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and all the other authorities responsible for national security are reviewing all options with the objective that PLA restores status quo ante in Ladakh.

The armed forces remain heavily deployed in the region to match the strength of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troopers in terms of both, men and machine.

He also denied the reports stating that there was a lack of coordination among the principal intelligence agencies. He added that the vast boundaries of the country demands constant monitoring and vigil, and there is regular interaction between all agencies responsible for collection and collation of information.