Scrapping Art 370 a historic step: Army chief
   Date :16-Jan-2020
Scrapping Art 370 a histo
 
 
NEW DELHI :
 
The abrogation disrupted plans of ‘western neighbour, its proxies’, says General Naravane
 
ARMY chief Gen M M Naravane on Wednesday hailed the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 as a “historic step” and said the move has disrupted plans of the “western neighbour and its proxies,” in a clear reference to Pakistan. The armed forces have “zero tolerance against terrorism”, he said at the 72nd Army Day function held at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment. “We have many options to counter those who promote terrorism and we will not hesitate to use them,” he said.
 
On August 5 last year, the Centre abrogated provisions of Article 370 that gave Special Status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the State into Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, both of which officially came into being on October 31. “Abrogation of Article 370 is a historic step. It will prove to be important in integrating Jammu and Kashmir in the national mainstream. This decision has disrupted the plans of our western neighbour and its proxies,” the Army chief said.
 
Gen Naravane said the country had to face some security challenges last year. “Not only it countered proxy war but also other situations. Whether it is the LoC (Line of Control) or LAC (Line of Actual Control), we have ensured security with activeness and strength,” he said, adding that the situation at the northern borders (China border) is relatively peaceful. The Army chief said the situation along the LoC is linked to the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. “Today, we remember those who have made ultimate sacrifice for the country. It will keep inspiring the coming generations,” he said.
 
Mentioning his visit to Siachen last week, he said he was extremely happy to see all the ranks brimming with confidence at the post. “In last few days, some of our soldiers achieved martyrdom due to avalanche. We will always remember their sacrifice,” he noted. On the insurgency in the Northeast, he said the Army and the Assam Rifles have worked together and “the situation has improved a lot” in the region. “And to establish peaceful atmosphere, pressure is being maintained on insurgent groups,” Naravane said.