TREAD WITH CARE
Looking into the situation along the LAC in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, there is dire need that India should tread carefully as far as defence preparedness along the borders with China is concerned. The present scenario demands that India should listen to all but chalk out a strategy for China by taking into consideration all the pros and cons and avoid playing in the hands of other countries which have their own scores to settle with China. Remaining abreast with the developments along LAC is utmost necessary as the top US General has warned about the situation in eastern Ladakh as alarming in context with infrastructure development by China in the strategic sector. It is significant that the Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande has been reviewing the security situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand because the LAC at present has turned out to be strategically sensitive and such an exercise is needful to boost the morale of the people dwelling near border, army personnel and the entire nation.
The army chief is getting firsthand knowledge from the local commanders about the prevailing situation along the borders and is likely to witness the high altitude operational capabilities of deployed formations, including mountaineering skills and long range patrolling.Looking into the criticality, there is dire need for vigil and alertness along the borders besides rapid improvement of defensive posture and operational readiness of formations. The use of modern technology in undertaking persistent surveillance is the need of the hour and therefore the government should provide all the latest gadgetry currently available to the personnel deployed along the borders with China as this is vital to tighten the noose around Chinese PLA which is creating problems for India from Ladakh sector to north east. There is no doubt that the synergy level between the Army, CAPF, Civil Administration and Police towards operational effectiveness and sustainable development in the border areas is exemplary but going by the information surfacing from different sources, it is imperative for the country to remain on toes and monitor whatever is happening on the other side of LAC as this is crucial for planning operational preparedness and counter the enemy befittingly.