Situation in Kashmir needs consolidation: Army Chief

Infrastructure supporting terror activities remain intact on the other side of the Line of Control (LoC) as demonstrated by recent ceasefire violations and infiltration bids, Army Chief General Dalbir Singh said on Thursday. Addressing the Army Day parade in New Delhi, Singh reiterated that the situation in Kashmir requires consolidation.

“Our security challenges have grown and become more complex. In J&K, the security situation, though stable, requires consolidation,” he said, adding that highest-ever voter turnout in the Assembly elections reflects the trust of the people in the security system.

Singh said the fragile peace in Kashmir has come at a great cost but stressed that the army will have to focus on its primary task while ensuring conventional preparedness.

“Neutralization of terrorist leadership and cadres has been possible through enormous sacrifices by the Indian Army and other security forces,” he said.