Army Chief Describes LAC Situation as Stable Yet Sensitive

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday spoke about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and along the India-China border. While the situation at LAC is “sensitive but stable”, in J&K it is under control.

General Dwivedi said the situation at LOC with Pakistan is “firmly under control” but North Kashmir has seen increase in terrorist activities in last few months.

He said the ceasefire which is in place since February 2021 is still in place but the terror infrastructure is intact.

Army Chief said that two rounds of verification patrolling have been done by both sides in Depsang and Demchock after both sides had disengaged late last year.

“Grazers are also going to their traditional areas. There is no such thing as buffer zones. Some places had been declared as a temporary moratorium as we felt if any side went there, chances of violence would exist," he said.

General said there is still “a degree of standoff” and we need to “sit down and have a broader understanding”.

General Dwivedi said over 50% of the terrorists killed in Jammu and Kashmir were Pakistanis and close to 80% of the terrorists alive today in the region are from the neighbouring country.

“Last year, 60% of terrorists eliminated were of Pakistan origin. As of today, whatever is a remnant in the Valley and Jammu area, we feel that around 80% or more are of Pakistan origin…Coming on to J&K, the situation is firmly under control," he said.

He said the ceasefire which has been in place since February 2021 after the DGMO understanding is “holding on” but the terror infrastructure is intact.

“Infiltration attempts continue including from the IB sector… In recent months, increased terrorist activities were seen in North Kashmir and the Doda-Kishtwar belt…Overall violence parameters are under control," the Army Chief said.

He said citing the peaceful conduct of Amarnath Yatra in which over 5 lakh pilgrims participated and smooth conduct of Lok Sabha and Assembly Elections last year that the theme of “terrorism to tourism is gradually taking shape".