LoC infiltration has dipped, says Army chief

On the 57th Army Day today, Army Chief Gen JJ Singh, who is days away from completing a year in office, pronounced that the last 12 months were defined by a marked drop in infiltration across the Line of Control LoC and a persistent and successful projection of the Army as a humane force in conflict areas of the North and North East.

8216;8216;We have been able to scale down the level of infiltration and deal a deadly blow to insurgents to such a level that the present terrorist-Army casualty figures is at a ratio of 8:1,8217;8217; the Army Chief said. As many as 988 personnel were awarded the Chief8217;s commendation yesterday for gallantry and professionalism in service. Today, 19 personnel were awarded the Sena Medal by Gen Singh for gallantry and valour in battle and counter-insurgency operations, three of them for the second time in their careers.

In the traditional announcements about welfare measures planned for the year ahead, Gen Singh made a significant announcement that personnel who have completed 10 years of service in the Army would be paid a pension equivalent to that of a Naik8217;s and those who finished 20 years would be eligible for a Havildar8217;s pension.

Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, in his address, said, 8216;8216;In the year gone by you have displayed your calibre in the most commendable manner in all situations, whether be it conflict, assistance to civil authorities during calamities or the multi-faceted role in United Nations peacekeeping tasks. The nation looks up to your professionalism and commitment to the cause as a source of strength and for nation-building, You are the nation8217;s pride.8217;8217;