On Thursday, Indian Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande said that India will not reduce its troop deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh till the ‘Status Quo Ante’ as of mid-2020 is restored.
At the Army’s annual press conference, Pande expressed views on a wide range of issues, including the India-China standoff in Ladakh, India’s military preparedness, the situation on the Myanmar border, and the Agniveer scheme, among others.
Restore Status Quo in Eastern Ladakh
Commenting on the border situation, Pande said, “The situation on the northern border is stable but sensitive.” He added that India is continuing talks with China to address issues and find solutions.
Pande mentioned that, at present, India intends to continue talks in order to revert to the status quo ante, which prevailed in the middle of 2020.
“Once that happens, we can look at the larger issues like de-induction of troops,” he stated while responding to a question on whether the ground situation in Ladakh was the “new normal.”
#WATCH | Delhi: COAS General Manoj Pande says, "...Situation on the northern border is stable but sensitive. We continue to talk to find a solution to address and balance issues between the two sides. Operational preparedness is very high, and deployment is both- robust, and… pic.twitter.com/q44p7RrJfW
— ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2024
“Our operational preparedness remains very robust. We maintain adequate reserves to deal with any contingency,” Pande asserted.
Following the Galwan Valley clash that killed 20 Indian soldiers and 4 Chinese troops, New Delhi and Beijing have held several talks to resolve the issue, consequently disengaging at Galwan, Gogra, Kugrang Valley, the north bank of Pangong Lake, and the Kailash range.
However, progress on the critical points of Depsang and Demchok has been difficult.
The COAS’ admission is in contrast to the Indian government’s responses, which have bordered on a denial of Chinese occupation of Indian territory.
Security Situation in J&K
Pande mentioned that while the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) is still in place, infiltration attempts continue to occur.
He highlighted that while the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is getting normal, in the last five to six months, in the Rajouri and Poonch districts, there has been an increase in terrorism.
He held that terrorism in the region was eradicated in 2003, and peace continued till 2017-18.
“Because of the situation in the valley getting normal, this is one area our adversaries have been active in, in terms of abetting terrorism, encouraging proxy tanzeems (groups) in operating in this area,” Pande said.
Army Working to Normalise Situation in Manipur
“The Northeast has witnessed positive developments in the last year because of the proactive policies of the government,” the COAS asserted.
He mentioned that the violence parameters have come down overall. “Manipur witnessed violence in May last year, but with the combined efforts by the state administration, Army and Assam Rifles have been able to stabilise the situation,” he said.
Pande added that the Army is working to normalise the situation and ensure stability in Manipur.
Manipur has been engulfed by ethnic violence since May last year when conflict broke out between the Meitei and Kuki communities in the region.
Indo-Myanmar Border
Additionally, the COAS expressed concern about the tensions on the Indo-Myanmar border following clashes between the military and ethnic rebels.
He underscored that India has beefed up the deployment of soldiers along the border, with 20 Assam Rifles battalions already deployed across the border.
#WATCH | Delhi: COAS General Manoj Pande says, "...If you look at our deployment in Manipur, it is to help the civil administration. The Assam Rifles and all our units have displayed a lot of restraint. Sometimes when there is a provocation, no collateral damage, no casualties to… pic.twitter.com/qLJ7SyJrPG
— ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2024
Pande revealed that 416 Myanmarese army personnel crossed the border to enter India in the last two months amid conflict and were later returned.
With the worsening situation, several insurgent groups have attempted to come to India to set up their bases, he noted.
Further, the COAS stated that India is closely monitoring the border talks between China and Bhutan.
Respect for Human Rights
“My guidance to commanders and soldiers on the ground is respect for human rights,” Pande said.
Having local support is crucial, the COAS added, saying that the Army was engaging with the local community in J&K.
“We have clearly laid down guidelines which spell out what you must do and what you must not do in those areas and for soldiers to be able to act in a professional manner in whatever they’re doing,” Pande stated.
His comments came following controversy last month after three civilians apprehended by the Army last month were found dead with several injuries.