Army maintaining strong defence posture along LAC, ready to deal with any contingency: Army Chief General Manoj Pande

Army Chief General Manoj Pande said that there has been a reduction in violence parameters owing to the efforts of the security forces. (Express photo by Jithendra M)

Talking about the situation along the country’s western borders, he said the ceasefire agreement with Pakistan continues at the Line of Control and ceasefire violations have significantly reduced. But the terror infrastructure still remains intact across the border, he added.

Observing that several proxy terror outfits are resorting to targeted killings to remain relevant, he said the Army, along with other security forces, is determined to foil all such bids.

“Our counter-infiltration grid is continuously foiling the infiltration from there,” he said, adding that there has been a reduction in violence parameters owing to the efforts of the security forces.

He said as part of efforts being taken towards force restructuring and manpower optimisation, the Army is in the process of converting its fighting units into integrated battle groups which will be more potent in a war.

“Our aim is to be a technology-driven force from a manpower-intensive force,” he said.

He further said that efforts are on to smuggle arms and drugs into Jammu and Punjab border regions using drones, but counter-drone jammers and spoofers have been deployed.

This was the first time that the Army Day parade was not held in the national capital.