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.

‘‘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,’’ the Army Chief said. As many as 988 personnel were awarded the Chief’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 Naik’s and those who finished 20 years would be eligible for a Havildar’s pension.

Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, in his address, said, ‘‘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 nation’s pride.’’