Pak trying to extend arc of violence: Army Chief

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 1

Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag today accused Pakistan of adopting new tactics to extend the “arc of violence” and creating unrest in Jammu Kashmir.

General Suhag was speaking at a function organised to mark the golden jubilee of the 1965 Indo-Pak War. He spoke about the threats and challenges for the Army due to activities of Pakistan. “New methods continue to be employed (by Pakistan) to create unrest in J&K. Recent instances of terrorist violence are clear pointers to extend this arc of violence to other areas,” he said.

“Our threats and challenges have become more complex. As a result, the commitments of the Army have increased manifold in scope and intensity over the past few years.”

"(Because of) the frequency of ceasefire violation and infiltration bids by our western neighbour, the border remains live and active," he said.

“We are acutely aware that the short and swift nature of future wars is likely to offer limited warning time… It calls for maintaining high levels of operational preparedness at all times, something that has now become inherent in our operational strategy,” he said.

The two-day seminar was inaugurated by Vice-President Hamid Ansari.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar stressed the need to include stories of gallantry and sacrifices by brave soldiers during the 1965 Indo-Pak War in the school curriculum. Despite limitations, the Indian armed forces displayed professional approach and earned praise and respect in the 1965 war, he said.

The war highlighted that the entire military establishment of a nation must constantly refine its processes to ensure territorial integrity and counter hostile actions, he added.

“The present-day environment also requires a similar approach, with alertness and readiness, so that we can deter any such action and ensure a peaceful environment,” he added.

Chief of the Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Navy Chief Admiral RK Dhowan also addressed the gathering.

Hamid Ansari released two books on the historical perspective to mark the occasion. The first one, “1965, Turning the Tide: How India Won the War”, is written by former strategic affairs editor of NDTV Nitin A Gokhale. It talks about exploits of the Army. The second one written by Air Marshal Bharat Kumar is titled “Duels of the Himalayan Eagle: The first Indo-Pak Air War”. This deals with exploits of the IAF.

Retired veterans also attended the function.