‘Terror run in J&K nails Pak peace talks’
WARNING Army chief was in Rajasthan to witness Hamesha Vijayee; said it doesn’t appear that Pakistan wants peace BARMER:The
manner in which terrorism is spreading in Jammu and Kashmir does not indicate that Pakistan wants peace with India, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Friday.
Reacting to Pakistani army chief’s recent statement that he will support peace talks with India, Rawat said, “Pakistani army’s activities do not reflect that.” Rawat addressed media persons in Barmer where he was present to observe military preparedness during the Indian Army’s exercise ‘Hamesha Vijayee’.
When asked that in the name of Pakistan-China corridor both the countries are increasing their activities along the international border, Rawat said, “India is also increasing its presence and carrying out many activities… Every country plans activities according to its security requirement, and in the same manner, India is also conducting many activities.”
Asked about induction of assault rifles, the Army chief said, “Government approvals for this are there in place and currently it is under testing phase.” As soon as the testing phase is over, assault rifles will be inducted, he said.
The Army’s Southern Command conducted ‘Hamesha Vijayee’ in the deserts of Rajasthan from December 16 till December 22 to evaluate the capability of the forces to strike deep into the enemy territory in an integrated air-land battle.
More than 30,000 troops participated in the military exercise, and 200 tanks, including Arjun and T-90 (Bhisma), and 23 aircraft, including C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules, were utilised.
The military exercise, carried out in the general area of Barmer and Jaisalmer, aimed at fine-tuning surveillance and destruction mechanisms to support precision strikes and manoeuvres by network-enabled forces. The exercise was concluded in the presence of the Army chief.
During the exercise, aerial and land-based surveillance devices were fielded to gain information and present a comprehensive picture to the commanders. Electronic warfare equipment and new-age force multipliers were used to amalgamate technology and refine real-time information about an adversary’s activities, which was shared with command and control centres for planning and execution of operations.
Medium- and long-range weapons, airborne/heliborne forces and aerial platforms were utilised to ensure non-linear application of combat potential, defence officials said. With an array of tanks and armoured vehicles supported by firepower assets and robust logistics, the army showcased its cutting-edge operational readiness and a high degree of synergy with the Indian Air Force.
Commending the forces for their battle preparedness and synergised orchestration of complex operational manoeuvres, the Army chief called the exercise as “highly successful.”
Southern Army Commander Lieutenant General DR Soni said, “A number of vital concepts were validated during this exercise and important lessons were drawn which will enable the army to streamline its operational plans and procedures.”
He expressed the confidence that the Southern Army will prove its mettle whenever the situation demands.