New Delhi, March 9 (KNS): Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has stated that while revoking the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir is a possibility, the prevailing security conditions do not favor its removal at this stage.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Gen Dwivedi emphasized, “AFSPA could be withdrawn once the Army is confident that local law enforcement can effectively manage security challenges.” He pointed to regions like Doda, Rajouri, and Kishtwar, where stability is improving and tourism is being encouraged. However, he acknowledged the recent surge in militant activity, saying, “We have had to deploy 15,000 additional troops.” He added that any decision on AFSPA’s removal would be taken jointly by the local administration, the Union Home Ministry, and the Defence Ministry, based on the ground situation.
Pakistan-China Collusion & Two-Front Threat
Addressing concerns about regional security, Gen Dwivedi warned, “There is a high degree of collusivity, which we must accept. The two-front threat is a reality for me.” He highlighted that “in terms of the virtual field, it’s nearly 100 percent; in terms of physical, most of the equipment there is of Chinese origin.”
Regarding Bangladesh, he stated, “Since I have said that the epicenter of terrorism is in a particular country, they have a relationship with any of my neighboring countries, I should be looking worried.” He added that military ties between India and Bangladesh remain strong but acknowledged that a change in government could impact relations.
LAC & LoC Situation
Discussing developments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Gen Dwivedi noted, “I think Assassin’s Mace has lived through its life.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelIt may not be more relevant today.” He stressed that India’s geographical advantage in the Himalayas plays a crucial role in its defense strategy, asserting, “The Indian Army is adequately poised to take care of that.”
On the situation along the Line of Control (LoC), he pointed out, “Since 2018, terrorist-related incidents are down by 83 percent, as has recruitment been.” He further noted that the footfall of Amarnath Yatris increased to “5 lakh” last year.
Regarding terrorism, he stated, “60 percent of terrorists neutralized by Indian armed forces last year were of Pakistani origin. Of the remaining in the valley and south of Pir Panjal, about 80 percent are Pakistani terrorists.” However, he expressed hope for peace, saying, “We are always prepared. We will be assertive, but we’ll be only aggressive in case we are forced to.”
Women in the Army & Agnipath Scheme
Gen Dwivedi also announced, “Yesterday, only I have given the sanction for the Territorial Army to induct women. And we want this number to increase… changes that you will see will be gradual.”
On the Agnipath scheme, he assured, “Let me assure the countrymen that this scheme is proving to be a great success. Crème de la crème coming to us.” (KNS)