Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane concluded his two-day visit to Leh on Friday, 4 September. The army chief was on a two-day visit to Ladakh to review the security situation amid heightened tensions between India and China, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
During his visit, General Naravane said that the morale of the jawans in Ladakh is high and they are ready to deal with all challenges.
"I visited different places after reaching Leh. I talked to officers, junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and took stock of preparedness. They (the jawans) are highly motivated. Their morale is high and they're fully prepared to deal with any situation that may arise," he told news agency ANI.
The Army chief said that the "situation along the LAC is slightly tense". "Keeping in view of the situation, we have taken precautionary deployment for our own safety and security, so that our security and integrity remain safeguarded,” he added.
‘Sure That Differences Will Be Resolved With Talks’
He expressed confidence that the differences between the two neighbouring countries at the border will be resolved through the medium of talks.
“For the last 2-3 months, the situation has been tensed but we have continuously been engaging with China both at the military and diplomatic level. These engagements are ongoing and will continue in the future also... We are very sure that through this medium of talks, we will resolve whatever difference we have. We will ensure that status quo (ante) is not changed and we are able to safeguard our interests.”Army Chief General MM Naravane to ANI
Naravane is is Ladakh to review the overall security scenario and is being briefed by officials on the ground situation in eastern Ladakh, reports said. He is also reviewing the operational preparedness of troops who are engaged in a standoff with their Chinese counterparts since May, ANI reported.
Recent Escalation of Tensions
Tensions soared between the two countries again recently, with the Indian Army saying it had taken measures to consolidate their position and thwart Chinese intentions to change the status quo in the Pangong Tso region.
China violated diplomatic channels and “engaged in provocative military maneuvers in the late night of 29th and on 30th August in an attempt to change the status quo in the South Bank area of Pangong Lake,” the Ministry of External Affairs had said.
“On 31st August, even as the ground commanders of the two sides were in discussions to de-escalate the situation, the Chinese troops again engaged in provocative action. Due to the timely defensive action, the Indian side was able to prevent these attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo,” it added.
(With inputs from ANI and PTI.)
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