New Delhi: The situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is sensitive but stable, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi said on Monday.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the Army Day, Gen Dwivedi said there is still a degree of standoff in the region and efforts are needed to restore trust between the Indian and the Chinese militiaries.
The Army chief said patrolling and grazing in traditional areas have started in Depsang and Demchok, the two friction points from where the two sides disengaged in October.
“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.
The General said that there is still “a degree of standoff” and there is a requirement to “sit down and have a broader understanding”.
General Dwivedi noted that the situation at the LOC with Pakistan is “firmly under control”, however, added that North Kashmir has seen an increase in terrorist activities in recent months.
He underlined that the ceasefire, which has been effective since February 2021, is still in place, however, the terror infrastructure also remains intact.
General Dwivedi said that over 50 percent of the terrorists eliminated in Jammu and Kashmir were Pakistanis and close to 80 percent today, 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 that the ceasefire which has been effective since February 2021 after the DGMO understanding is “holding on”, however, the terror infrastructure has also remained 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.
Citing the peaceful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra in which over 5 lakh pilgrims participated, and the smooth conduct of Lok Sabha and Assembly Elections last year, he said that the theme of “terrorism to tourism is gradually taking shape”.
