SRINAGAR: In the current year, security forces have neutralised 46 militants, of which 37 were foreigners. For the first time, the elimination of foreign militants is four times higher than that of locals, said Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday.
The Army Commander made these remarks during a media interaction following the inauguration of a three-day North Tech Symposium at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu on Monday.
He emphasised that this marks the first time that the number of foreign militants killed in various operations across the region this year has surpassed that of locals.
Providing further details, the Northern Army Commander revealed that out of the 46 neutralised militants in the first eight months of this year, nine were locals, and 37 were foreigners.
“Moreover, 29 of these terrorists have been killed in the South of the Pir Panjal,” he added.
The Northern Army Commander highlighted that the Pakistan is frustrated with the restoration of peace in Jammu and Kashmir. “Attempts are being made from across the border to disrupt peace in the Union Territory. However, such attempts will not be allowed to succeed,” he said.
He also noted that the Northern Command is responsible for guarding both the Line of Control (LOC) and the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The induction of upgraded technology will benefit the Indian Army and further strengthen the Armed Forces.
Regarding the situation along the border, he emphasised that the Northern Command is always ready operationally. The Indian Army maintains vigilance 24×7 along the LAC and the LoC, and operations are contributing to the restoration of peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the increasing militancy incidents in Rajouri and Poonch districts, he explained that whenever peace returns, Pakistan attempts to disrupt it. He acknowledged that despite Pakistan’s internal challenges, foreign militants are being pushed into Indian territory due to the minimal support for local militants and support for Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Army Commander highlighted that due to changes in deployment and technology, militants attempting to infiltrate are being neutralised at the border, and these attempts are being successfully thwarted.
He also mentioned that all top commanders of various terror outfits have been eliminated in Jammu and Kashmir, which has frustrated Pakistan.
Regarding the North Tech Symposium, the Army Commander said that ‘Atma Nirbharta’ (self-reliance) is a significant step for India to achieve global leadership. Industry, military, and academia have joined forces to promote ‘Atma Nirbharta,’ and together, they aim to find alternative solutions for the technology India currently imports.
He added that the latest technology is continuously advancing, and collective efforts are required to ensure that India surpasses other countries in this regard.
Explaining the symposium’s focus areas, the Army Commander stated that equipment is divided into five key categories: survivability, protection, mobility, surveillance and communication, infrastructural development, and firepower. One-third of the equipment is already inducted into the Army, with two-thirds developed by the industry after understanding the Army’s requirements. If the industry-developed equipment meets the Army’s expectations during trials, it will also be inducted.
He stressed the importance of making technology accessible to individuals of all age groups and mentioned that the North Tech Symposium is attended by officers from various commands to familiarize them with the latest technology for potential adoption into the Armed Forces.
Lt Gen Dwivedi highlighted that the equipment displayed at the North Tech Symposium aligns with the concept of ‘Atma Nirbharta.’ He added that 256 pieces of equipment have been inducted into the Army since the last North Tech Symposium held in May 2022 in the Northern Command, following successful trials.
Regarding drone challenges, the Army Commander stated that counter-drone equipment has been inducted and is continuously upgraded. He emphasized the need for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance along the Line of Control (LoC) and highlighted the use of various equipment in warfare.
Additionally, he mentioned that technology along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is improving with each passing day. (KNO)
