'Army ready to tackle any contingency along the China border': General Manoj Pande at Army Day event
Bengaluru: Indian Army chief General Manoj Pande said that the army is ready to tackle any contingency along the China border, in his address at the 75th Army Day celebrations in Bengaluru on Sunday.
“In the northern border areas, the situation has been normal and through established protocols & existing mechanisms, necessary steps have been taken to maintain peace. Maintaining a strong defence posture at LAC, we are ready to tackle any contingency,” he was quoted saying by news agency ANI.
Referring to the situation along the western border, the Army Chief said the ceasefire continues at LOC and there has been a substantial reduction in violations. However, the terror infrastructure still remains on other side of the border, he said according to a report in the media.
Our counter-insurgency mechanism is effectively foiling the infiltration bid from Pakistan, he added.
He said the army is foiling the attempts to smuggle arms and drugs into Jammu and Punjab border regions using drones with counter-drone jammers among other measures.
Army chief General Manoj Pande reviewed the parade and presented gallantry awards for individual acts of bravery and sacrifice.
LIVE: Army Day Parade 2023 https://t.co/a3Rra6zfGa
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) January 15, 2023
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, besides other leaders, extended their greetings.
On Army Day, I convey my best wishes to all army personnel, veterans and their families. Every Indian is proud of our Army and will always be grateful to our soldiers. They have always kept our nation safe and are widely admired for their service during times of crisis. pic.twitter.com/EJvbkb9bmD
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2023
In a break with the traditions, the 75th Army Day Parade will be held at the Madras Engineer Group (MEG) and Centre in Bengaluru.
This year, the celebrations are taking place under the supervision of Southern Command which is headquartered in Pune.
On Army Day, let us recall countless stories of Indian Army soldiers’ sacrifices! They have always pushed the frontiers of valour and courage, and also acted as saviours in times of calamities. I salute all brave soldiers of Indian Army and their families on this occasion.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 15, 2023
The military troops performed spectacular bike stunts, skydiving and band presentation.
Greetings to all Indian Army personnel and their families on #ArmyDay. The nation salutes their indomitable courage, valour, sacrifices and service. We are proud of the Indian Army’s efforts to keep India safe and secure. pic.twitter.com/I7tqRyULma
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 15, 2023
Since 1949, the parade has been held on the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment.
The Indian Air Force's annual parade has also moved from its traditional site to Hindon airbase near Delhi to Chandigarh year.
The Army Day evening function will be held at the Army Service Corps (ASC) Centre and College in the city at 2:30 pm. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be the chief guest at the function.
Army Day is celebrated every year on January 15 to commemorate the day Field Marshal (then General) KM Cariappa took over Indian Army's command from the British in 1949. He was the first Indian to lead the country’s Army.
