Even though there has been a “slight increase” in the number of Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the eastern sector, Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande said on Thursday that the situation at the northern borders remains unpredictable but stable and under control.

“Though unpredictable, the situation at the northern borders is stable and under control. We have been able to resolve five of the seven issues on the table in the talk as our preparedness is of very high level and we have enough reserves to deal with any contingency,” General Pande told media ahead of the Army Day on January 15.

“There is a slight increase in the number of troops [by China] opposite our Eastern command. We are keeping a close watch on the movements,” he said while asserting that Indian soldiers have robustly prevented any attempts by the adversary to unilaterally change the status quo at the LAC.

“In furtherance of the vision of #NariShakti, #IndianArmy will commence induction of women officers into Regiment of Artillery that entails a fair share of frontline combat. This step will ensure enhanced career progression avenues to women officers.”

General Manoj Pande
COAS pic.twitter.com/Fe2Ew3dHYY

— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) January 12, 2023

The Army Chief, who began the new year with a visit to the troops posted along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, said that the ceasefire understanding with Pakistan which came about in February 2021 is holding well but cross-border support to terrorism and terror infrastructure remains.

“Our adversary has tried to target minorities to cover up their failure in the Kashmir valley. Army and CRPF have increased their presence in these areas. Investigation has been handed over to NIA to find more about it,” the Army Chief said on the recent terror attack on minorities in Rajouri.

General Pande stated that around Rs 1300 crores have been spent in Ladakh for infrastructure and habitat requirements in the last three years with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) also building roads spanning 2100 km along the northern borders and 7,450-metre bridges in the last five years.

“Habitats for the deployment 500 tanks and 400 guns have been created in the Eastern Ladakh sector by the Army. Habitats for 55,000 troops have also been created,” he said.

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