Army chief takes stock of preparedness in Sikkim

Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday visited the formation headquarters of the force in North Sikkim and was briefed by top commanders about the security situation in the wake of the faceoff between Indian and Chinese militaries over a disputed area.

Rawat, on a two-day visit, was apprised about the situation on the border at the Army’s 17 Mountain Division. He also visited areas under the division.

Referring to Gen Rawat’s comments earlier this month that India is ready for a “two-and-ahalf front war”, the Chinese military on Thursday rejected the remarks as “extremely irresponsible” asking him to “stop clamouringforwar”. Amidthetense situation, China also asked India to withdraw its troops from the Donglong area in Sikkim sector as a precondition for a “meaningful dialogue” to settle the boundary issue, warning that the Indian Army should learn “historical lessons”.