The outgoing Army chief General Bikram Singh on Friday said that the Indian Army’s defence preparedness was much better today than 15 years ago when Pakistan’s regulars infiltrated and occupied heights in Kargil triggering a fiercest battle.
General Singh was speaking at a wreath-laying ceremony at Drass to commemorate the 15th anniversary of “Operation Vijay” — the Indian Army’s battle to flush out Pakistani intruders to regain the territory after a protracted battle.
Top Army commanders serving in sensitive Jammu & Kashmir, relatives of soldiers who died in Kargil battle, ex-servicemen and a locals were present on the occasion.
“Paying homage to the martyrs who laid down their life for the nation’s cause was the most befitting way for me to mark the culmination of my career in the Army,” the outgoing chief said.
He said that India’s defence preparedness was much better today than it was 15 years ago. “The Indian Army is fully capable of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.
Gen Singh was received by General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command, lt Gen DS Hooda and lt Gen BS Negi, Commander of the Fire and Fury Corps that oversees the ladakh region bordering Pakistan and China.
Gen Singh was the Army’s spokesman during the Kargil war who briefed regularly the national and international media over the situation prevailing on the battlefield.
Speaking to mediapersons General Singh lauded them for covering the Kargil Vijay Diwas Celebrations year after year.
The Indian Army has raised a befitting memorial at Drass where Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year.