As face-offs are still on at the border in Ladakh with China, Army Chief General Manoj Pande is now visiting forward posts in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand to review operational preparedness.
The two States share borders with China and transgressions by Chinese troops take place sometimes there.
His visit comes in the backdrop of the armed forces maintaining high alert all along the Line of Actual Control(LAC)from west to east since trouble erupted in Ladakh in May 2020.
Additional deployments were made to meet any challenge. Soon after taking over as the Army Chief in May, Pande visited Eastern Ladakh for a first hand review of the situation there.
Giving details of his schedule for the ongoing tour, the Army said here on Friday, Pande is currently on a three-day forward area visit to the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
This is the maiden visit of the Army Chief to this sector after taking over as assuming responsibility of the top job. He is accompanied by Army Commander, Central Command and General Officer Commanding(goc), Uttar Bharat Area. The 4,000 km long LAC stretches from Ladakh(western sector)to Arunachal Pradesh(eastern sector). The LAC in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is known as the middle sector.
During visits to the forward posts, Pande is being briefed by local commanders about the prevailing situation along the borders. Taking a first-hand assessment of the operational preparedness in forward areas, the Army Chief is scheduled to witness the high altitude operational capabilities of deployed formations, including mountaineering skills and long range patrolling, officials said. The Army Chief is also reviewing the ongoing infrastructure and development work and the Army-Citizens connect in the forward areas. While interacting with the Commanders during his visit, the Army Chief emphasised the need for vigil and alertness along the borders.
He expressed his satisfaction at the rapid improvement of defensive posture and operational readiness of formations. He appreciated the absorption of modern technology in undertaking persistent surveillance.
During his interaction with the troops deployed on the forward posts, Pande appreciated their high morale and exhorted them to maintain the high standards of professional excellence.
He also complimented the excellent synergy between the Army, Central paramilitary forces, civil administration and the police towards operational effectiveness and sustainable development in the border areas.