Defence preparedness will now be enhanced on the Himalayan heights along the operating boundaries with China and Pakistan following reports of repeated incursions of troops and the military cooperation between the two countries. As part of this, T-72 battle tanks, designed by the erstwhile Soviet Union, will be deployed on the borders.
"There are plans to do so," a highly-placed source in the army told Hindustan Times. He said this was on the lines of the army's efforts spelled out by the Centre to enhance infrastructure in the area. Sources also said this was "part of the operational preparedness" along the borders, especially the line of actual control (with China). This was one of the major points of discussion during the visit of Northern Command chief lieutenant general KT Parnaik to Ladakh about seven days ago.
During his visit, he "reviewed" the situation along the line of actual control. He stressed the measures being undertaken to maintain vigilance and the sanctity of the boundary.
The briefing by the commander of 14 corps, lieutenant general Ravi Dastane, also focused on the need to have a more aggressive posturing along the borders to have a physical and psychological advantage over the other sides.
Army chief general VK Singh had said on October 5 there were "around 4,000 Chinese including People's Liberation Army men in Pakistan occupied Kashmir." The army has put up signboards en route to the LAC to bolster the morale of the troops and the locals.
{{/usCountry}}Army chief general VK Singh had said on October 5 there were "around 4,000 Chinese including People's Liberation Army men in Pakistan occupied Kashmir." The army has put up signboards en route to the LAC to bolster the morale of the troops and the locals.
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