Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, stated on Sunday that while the northern border is stable but it is not yet “normal,” particularly in the Ladakh region along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Lt Gen Dwivedi mentioned that five of the seven friction points in eastern Ladakh have been resolved, with ongoing talks addressing the remaining areas of standoff between the Indian Army and the Chinese PLA since May 2020.
“The northern border area is stable but it is not normal or I can say it’s sensitive,” Lt Gen Dwivedi told reporters in Srinagar. He attributed the recent terrorist attacks in the Poonch-Rajouri region to orchestrated efforts by Pakistan. According to him, Pakistan did not appreciate the ongoing development work and prosperity in the region, leading them to promote militancy. However, Lt Gen Dwivedi expressed confidence in controlling militant activities through counter operations.
Highlighting the need for improved coordination among the police, military, and local communities, Lt Gen Dwivedi mentioned plans to increase the number of police stations and carry out reorientation to enhance control in the area.
He also provided insights into the security situation, declaring 2023 as a “zero-infiltration year” as no terrorists entered through the Line of Control. Addressing concerns about terrorist activities, he stated, “If you see last year, only 21 terrorists killed were locals, the remaining 55 were foreigners. In 2022, 121 terrorist recruitments took place but in 2023 only 19 have taken place.”
Regarding the overall situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Gen Dwivedi pointed out positive changes since the abrogation of Article 370, emphasizing developments in infrastructure, tourism, and external investments. He expressed optimism about the role of Jammu and Kashmir in nation-building.
Lt Gen Dwivedi was in Srinagar to participate in an event commemorating Armed Forces Veterans’ Day, celebrated on January 14 to honor the retirement of the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, Field Marshal K M Cariappa, in 1953.
