In an effort to rule out any surprises by China, Army Chief General MM Naravane on Friday reviewed the operational readiness of the troops at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh. He is on two-day visit commencing Thursday.
Incidentally, he had said on Wednesday the Indian forces are ready and deployed in adequate numbers at the LAC adding it will not be taken by surprise. This observation came in the backdrop of China holding its annual military exercise now in its area opposite Eastern Ladakh. Last year, it diverted some forces from the exercise to intrude into India leading to ten-month long stand-off.
As regards his visit to the eastern sector in the last two days, officials said here on Friday, Naravane arrived at Dimapur in Nagaland on Thursday to review the operational readiness along the Northern borders of Arunachal Pradesh and the security situation in the hinterland in the Northeastern region.
"On arrival at the Corps headquarters in Dimapur, the Army Chief was briefed by Lt Gen Johnson Mathew, General Officer Commanding of Spear Corps and the Division Commanders on the prevailing situation and operational preparedness along the Northern borders," the Army said.
It said the Chief of Army Staff complimented all ranks for maintaining excellent vigil and exhorted them to stay alert and keep watch on activities along the LAC. On Wednesday, Naravane said the Army will maintain an enhanced presence on the entire northern front from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh till "de-escalation" is achieved.
In view of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh, the Army last year significantly ramped up deployment of troops in all sensitive areas along the nearly 3,500-km-long LAC including in the Sikkim and Arunachal sectors
The Indian Air Force(IAF) also deployed additional fighter jets and attack helicopters in key bases looking after the airspace along the LAC in the Arunachal sector.