New Delhi: In a clear message to China, Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane said Friday no one should make any mistake of testing India’s patience though it is committed to resolve the border standoff along the northern frontier through talks and political efforts. In an address at the Army Day parade here, Gen MM Naravane said a ‘befitting response’ was given to the ‘conspiracy’ to make unilateral changes on the border. He asserted that the sacrifice of the Galwan heroes in eastern Ladakh will not go waste.
“We are committed to resolve disputes through talks and political efforts. But no one should make any mistake of testing our patience,” asserted Naravane. “I want to assure the country that the sacrifice of the Galwan heroes will not go waste. Indian Army will not allow any harm to the country’s sovereignty and security,” he added.
Twenty Indian Army personnel laid down their lives in a fierce hand-to-hand combat June 15 last year in Galwan Valley. It was an incident that marked the most serious military conflicts between India and China in decades.
China is yet to disclose the number of its soldiers killed and injured in the clash. However, it has officially admitted to have suffered casualties. According to an American intelligence report, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35.
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“We are committed to resolve disputes through talks and political efforts. However, no one should make any mistake of testing our patience,” Gen Naravane said. “Our efforts will continue to find a solution to the current situation on the basis of mutual and equal security,” he added.
Referring to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, the army chief said the neighbouring country continues to provide a safe haven to terrorists.
“Strong response is being given to the enemy on the other border. Pakistan continues to provide safe haven to terrorists. In the training camps, across the LoC (Line of Control), around 300-400 terrorists are ready to infiltrate,” informed Naravane.
“There was an increase of 40 per cent in the ceasefire violations last year which is the proof of Pakistan’s sinister plans. There were also attempts to smuggle weapons using drones,” he added.