Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande said on Monday that the situation on the borders in Jammu & Kashmir is under control, but continued infiltration attempts make it clear that terrorist infrastructure still existed on the other side of the border.
In his address at the 76th Army Parade at Thakur Sheodatt Singh Parade Ground in Lucknow, General Pande said that the Indian Army soldiers have discharged their responsibilities in every sphere — be it protecting our borders, counter-terrorism operations or humanitarian and disaster relief operations.”
Through emergency procurement provisions, the Army of late has received several modern equipment with a focus on development and strengthening of critical infrastructure, including the one concerning the borders, he said.
He assured that the Army is well trained and battle-hardened and is playing a crucial role in establishing a stable and secure environment which is essential for a nation's development.
Meanwhile, General Pande reviewed the parade that was also attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and other senior military officers, and presented gallantry awards to soldiers.
Fifteen gallantry awards and 23 Unit Citations were awarded in recognition of the valour and meritorious service of Army personnel and units, the Defence public relation office (PRO) said in a press release.
The Army Day celebrations commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Smritika War Memorial to honour the bravehearts who laid down their lives for the nation. The parade witnessed six marching contingents and a military band comprising six regimental brass bands and four pipe bands from different regiments.
General Pande highlighted the Army's efforts to transform into a future-ready, technology-driven lethal and agile force, the release added.
“Time-bound deliverables have been identified under five pillars”, the press release quoted the Army chief.
The Army, he said, has focussed on “force restructuring and optimisation, technology infusion and making systems, processes and functions more effective” through initiatives such as the Agnipath scheme and posting of women officers in operational theatres such as Siachen.
He also outlined the measures taken to achieve “jointness and integration such as common operational planning, joint acquisition, joint logistics nodes, common utilisation of bases among other initiatives”. He also highlighted the Army's “unwavering commitment to the welfare of its veterans and veer naaris”.
The Army has established a position of trust in every citizen's heart, he further said.
(With inputs from agencies)