Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir where he was also accompanied by CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and Army chief Gen MM Narwan. It is a two-day visit and Singh had earlier announced on Twitter, “ Leaving for Leh for a two day visit to Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, I shall be visiting the forward areas to review the situation at our borders and also interact with the Armed Forces personnel deployed at the region , looking forward to it .”
Addressing the troops, Rajnath sent a strong message to China, declaring that India is not prepared to yield even one inch of its territory to anyone in the world. He also said talks are on to resolve the dispute, however there is no guarantee up to which level the dispute will be resolved.
The minister also interacted with Indian Army and ITBP Personnel at Lukung . He paid homage to the brave-hearts martyred in Galwan valley skirmish with the Chinese. He said he was saddened by the loss of brave warriors and payed his tributes to them. In his speech Singh stated “ I feel grateful that I have got this opportunity to see and meet you all brave-hearts. The Jawans of Indian Army are not just Army Jawans they are the Aan, Baan and Shaan of India”.
Indian Army’s T-90 Tanks along-with BMP Infantry combat Vehicles conducted an exercise at Stakna in the presence of the visiting Defense Minister and senior Army Officials. Indian troops also carried out a para dropping exercise at Stakna.
After his arrival at Ladakh the Defense Minister met with senior Army Officials to gain first- hand information about the situation at the LAC, despite the stand -off with China. He was briefed by the Army Chief, Army Commander &the Corps Commander, about the prevailing situation on ground after the disengagement process at the LAC. During this meeting modalities of disengagement, and strategic relocation of our troops at the flash points of Pangong Tso and Hot springs was also discussed.
This is the Defense Ministers first Visit to Ladakh since commencement of face off with China. Meanwhile the ministry of external affairs has said that the ongoing disengagement process is specifically aimed at addressing the Face off situation with China along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh.
“There is absolutely no change with respect to India’s stand on LAC, we are fully committed to observing and respecting the LAC. Any unilateral attempts to change the status quo on the LAC are not acceptable. The two sides remain committed to the objective of complete disengagement and restoration of peace and tranquility in the Indo-China border areas. The two sides will continue their diplomatic and engagements to achieve these outcomes,” MEA spokesman Anurag Srivastava had said.
The situation along the LAC had worsened after 20 Indian soldiers were killed during combat with Chinese forces in Galwan valley. This lead to tension between India and China. However the Chinese troops subsequently started retreating following dialogue between the two countries. The Chinese PLA has already pulled back its troops from Gogra ,Hot springs, and Galwan Valley, it has significantly thinned down its presence in the ridge line of Finger four in Pangong Tso areas as demanded by India(PTI).After the Galwan Valley incident the Indian Government authorized the Armed Forces to give a befitting reply to any Chinese misadventure along the LAC. Accordingly the Indian Air force has stationed its Air Defense Systems to the LAC, and has deployed its frontline combat fighter jets and attack Helicopters including the newly acquired AH-64E Apache and Chinook to the forward bases.
Defense Minister along with his team arrived at Srinagar Airport for the second leg of his visit. He will review the situation along the LOC, and visit some sensitive forward areas in J&K.
