Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday said 60 per cent of the terrorists killed in Jammu and Kashmir in 2024 were from Pakistan.
He was speaking at an annual press conference held at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, while also displaying a valid sense of the consistent effort of the Indian Army to maintain security along the sensitive borders of the country.
He underlined the Army's mission to achieve "full-spectrum preparedness while concurrently transforming the Indian Army into a self-reliant, future-ready force to be a relevant and key pillar of the national security apparatus that also contributes meaningfully towards national development." He said that the initiatives of the Indian Army are in line with the goal of the Viksit Bharat 2047. Speaking about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, he said that most of the terrorists neutralized in the region were of Pakistani origin. "In the last year, 60 per cent of terrorists eliminated were of Pakistan origin. As of today, over 80 per cent of the terrorists still active in the valley and Jammu area are from Pakistan," he said.
He said that peaceful conduct of elections and a record influx of five lakh pilgrims were indicators of positive change. "The theme of 'terrorism to tourism' is gradually taking shape," he stated. On the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Ladakh, General Dwivedi described the situation as "sensitive but stable" and acknowledged efforts to de-escalate tensions.
He said that "resolving the border issue with China requires strong strategic patience" and elaborated on the steps taken to address lower-level issues. "When you carry out a negotiation, you see the degree of violence and try to create distances. There is nothing called a buffer zone when you are resolving the situation," he said.
He noted regarding disengagement at Depsang and Demchok, "Since April 2020, both sides had advanced forward and prevented the other side from accessing traditional areas previously under paramilitary control." "In this disengagement process, both sides have agreed to return to their original positions, restoring access to the traditional patrolling areas., " he said, adding, "Verification patrols have been conducted twice by both sides over time, and both are satisfied with the progress. Grazing grounds have also been mutually agreed upon."
Discussing the situation in Manipur, General Dwivedi said, "The whole violence-struck region has been brought under control through synergized efforts of security forces and proactive government initiatives. However, admitted General Dwivedi, "Cyclic incidents of violence continue," and gave an assurance that measures to ensure peace are continuous.
Read also| Steve Jobs' Wife, Laurene Powell, Prays at UP Temple, Plans Visit to Maha Kumbh
