New Delhi: The Indian Army is ready for “all challenges”, General Bikram Singh said Tuesday, a day after he asserted the force’s right to retaliate for the beheading of a soldier by Pakistan troops.
Amid tensions along the Jammu and Kashmir border, he said the operational preparedness of the Indian military was being kept at the highest level. Gen Bikram Singh said the army was increasing its operational and surveillance capacity.
He said the army’s record on maintaining human rights was the best in the world. He said infrastructure was being strengthened in the northeast and facilities improved in forward areas.
The army, the general said, had rendered useful service during disasters. He spoke of steps taken for the welfare of ex-servicemen, widows and army personnel disabled in action. He said 6,900 Indian soldiers were serving in UN missions. The general gave away medals for gallantry and took salute at an impressive parade comprising marching and mechanised contingents.
The mechanised contingent included the main battle tank Arjun, Brahmos missile launcher, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, Sarvatra bridging system, mobile integrated network terminal and radio trunk system. Earlier, the army chief paid homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate here. Gallantry awards were presented to soldiers. Army Day is celebrated Jan 15. It is the day Lt Gen K.M. Cariappa took over as the first commander-in-chief of the Indian Army from Sir Francis Butcher, the last British commander, in 1948. (IANS)