Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane on Friday said on the on-going Ladakh stand off that “no one should make any mistake of testing India’s patience” though “it is committed to resolve the border standoff along the northern frontier through talks and political efforts”, reported Press Trust of India.
Addressing the Army Day parade, Gen Naravane said a “befitting response” was given to the “conspiracy” to make unilateral changes on the border and that “the sacrifice of the Galwan heroes in eastern Ladakh will not go waste”.
“We are committed to resolve disputes through talks and political efforts but no one should make any mistake of testing our patience,” he said. “I want to assure the country that the sacrifice of the Galwan heroes will not go waste. Indian Army will not allow any harm to the country’s sovereignty and security.”
He said eight rounds of military talks were held between India and China to bring the situation under control.
Referring to cross-border militancy from Pakistan, he said the neighbouring country continues to provide a safe haven to militants. “Strong response is being given to the enemy on the other border. Pakistan continues to provide safe haven to terrorists. In the training camps, across the LoC (Line of Control), around 300-400 terrorists are ready to infiltrate,” he said.
“There was an increase of 40 per cent in the ceasefire violations last year which is the proof of Pakistan’s sinister plans. There were also attempts to smuggle weapons using drones,” he added.
