Nagaland: Army chief expresses regret on Oting killings, report to be submitted soon
Guwahati: Army Chief General MM Naravane said on Wednesday that the Indian Army will continue to deal with the Chinese PLA in eastern Ladakh in a hard and uncompromising manner, adding that it has maintained the greatest level of operational preparedness in the region.
At a press conference ahead of Army Day, Naravane also stated that soldiers responsible in the killing of 14 civilians during a botched operation in Nagaland last month will face “due action.”
“According on the findings of the investigation, appropriate and corrective action will be taken,” Naravane said.
According to Naravane, the incident was described as “regrettable” by the army leader. The army is undertaking an internal investigation into the killings, which is being led by a Major General. The army’s inquiry report regarding the December 4 Nagaland fire incident is scheduled to be released in a day or two,
In regards to the eastern Ladakh concerns, Naravane stated that while there has been some interaction in the region, the “danger has not diminished in any way.”
“We’ve maintained the greatest levels of operational preparedness while still participating in discussion with the Chinese PLA,” Naravane added.
The Indian Army, according to the Chief of Army Staff, is well-prepared to deal with potential military consequences of China’s new land boundary law.
“We will continue to deal with the Chinese PLA in a hard and uncompromising manner,” Gen Naravane stated, adding that sufficient measures have been put in place to deal with any eventualities.
The Chief of Army Staff also mentioned the upgrading and development of infrastructure along the northern border, claiming that the project was done in a holistic and comprehensive manner.
He also stated that significant efforts are being made to determine whether dual-use infrastructure in border areas can be utilized.
According to the army chief, his forces’ response to Chinese attempts to unilaterally change the status quo was “quite forceful.”
He stated, “We are far more prepared to tackle any challenge that is thrown at us.” When questioned about the 14th round of military discussions with China, which began on Wednesday, he expressed optimism that difficulties at Patrolling Point 15 would be resolved (Hot Springs).