Art 370 move disrupted Pak plans: Army chief
ARMY DAY Gen M M Naravane says the armed forces have zero tolerance against terrorism
NEW DELHI: Army chief Gen M M Naravane on Wednesday hailed the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 as a “historic step” and said the move has disrupted plans of the “western neighbour and its proxies”.
The armed forces have “zero tolerance against terrorism”, he said at the 72nd Army Day function in the Cariappa Parade Ground here.
“We have many options to counter those who promote terrorism and we will not hesitate to use them,” he said.
On August 5 last year, the Centre abrogated provisions of Article 370 that gave special powers to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories.
The Army chief said, “Abrogation of Article 370 is a historic step. It will prove to be important in integrating Jammu and Kashmir in the national mainstream. This decision has disrupted the plans of our western neighbour and its proxies”.
Gen Naravane said the country had to face some security challenges last year.
“Not only it countered proxy war but ot her s i t uations. Whether it is LOC (Line of Control) or LAC (Line of Actual Control), we have ensured security with activeness and strength,” he said, adding the situation at northern borders (China border) is relatively peaceful.
The Army chief said the situation along the LOC is linked with situation in Jammu and Kashmir. “Today, we remember those who have made ultimate sacrifice for the country. It will keep inspiring the coming generations,” he said. Mentioning his visit to Siachen last week, he said he was extremely happy to see all the ranks brimming with confidence at the post.
“In last few days, some of our soldiers achieved martyrdom due to avalanche. We will always remember their sacrifice,” he noted. Dhanush and K-vajra gun systems were showcased for the first time in the Army parade.
The Army showcased its military might and some of its stateof-the-art assets at the parade.
Army Chief Gen M M Naravane, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat were present on the occasion. Army’s Captain Tania Shergil, the first woman Parade Adjutant, led all-men contingents at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantt, officials said.
The Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to mark Lt Gen K M Cariappa taking over as commander-in-chief of the Indian
Army in 1949 from General Francis Butcher, the last British commander-in-chief of India.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Rajnath Singh extended greetings on the occasion.
President Kovind said: “On Army Day, greetings to the valiant men and women of the Indian Army, to veterans and to their families. You are our nation’s pride, the sentinels of our liberty. Your immense sacrifice has secured our sovereignty, brought glory to our nation and protected our people. Jai Hind!”