Army Chief Gen MM Naravane in Ladakh as winter sets in

Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane will review the security situation and operational preparedness of the force during his two-day visit to the Ladakh sector.

The visit assumes significance with the arrival of the winter season. During this season, most of the Ladakh region gets cut off from the remaining parts of the country due to snow. 

During his stay, he will also interact with troops deployed in the harshest terrain and weather conditions, an official said.

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India and China have been engaged in a border standoff since May last year, wherein the Chinese troops attempted to alter the status quo. In protecting its sovereignty, 20 Indian soldiers had to sacrifice their lives in fighting China's PLA troops in the Galwan valley on June 15 last year. 

Among the multiple locations, the disengagement of troops and machines have taken place from North and South of Pangong Tso, Gogra heights among others. However, the talk is yet to be held on Hot Springs, Demchok and Depsang. At least 12 rounds of military commander-level talks have been held so far. 

The last time, the Army chief had visited Ladakh was in April this year. 

On September 30, Gen Naravane said that there should have a boundary agreement between India and China for lasting peace along with the border areas. 

While speaking at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 116th annual session, the chief said, "We are well prepared to meet any misadventure that may occur." 

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For having lasting peace in the border areas, there needs to be a boundary agreement else such incidents will continue to occur. 

He further said that the unprecedented developments required force mobilisation and immediate response. "Concurrently there was also a need to reinforce efforts of the government in mitigating the ongoing health crisis."

Talking about the alertness of the Indian armed forces, he said, "You would appreciate that each of the three Services -- the Army, Navy and the Air Force -- has its own set of challenges. The Indian Army is inactive operations throughout the year, safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our nation, because of the peculiar environment of contested borders and an ongoing proxy war in the hinterland."

• Army Chief
• Gen MM Naravane
• Indian Army
• Ladakh
• winter
• Chinese PLA
• snowfall
• winter season
• preparedness