New Delhi, January 15

Army Chief Gen M M Naravane on Wednesday hailed the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 as a “historic step” and said the move had disrupted plans of the “western neighbour and its proxies”, in a clear reference to Pakistan.

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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.

“The 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.

General Naravane said the country had to face some security challenges last year.

“Not only did it counter proxy war but also other situations. Whether it is the LoC or LAC, 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 the 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 had worked together and “the situation has improved a lot” in the region. Attending the Army Day parade for the first time as the Army Chief, he also said the “forces’ eyes are also on the future warfare” and the planned Indian Army’s Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) was an important step to face challenges that might come up later. He said the Army’s “niche capabilities” were also being enhanced.

The Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to mark Lt Gen K M Cariappa taking over as commander-in-chief of the Indian Army in 1949 from General Francis Bucher, the last British commander-in-chief of India.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria and Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and were also present on the occasion. Before arriving at the parade ground, the three services chiefs and the Chief of Defence Staff paid homage to martyrs at the National War Memorial.

Last year, the Army especially focused on the next of kin of the defence personnel so that the jawans could focus on their primary jobs, Naravane said, adding that the “next of kin of jawans will always be on our priorities”.

Captain Tania Shergill, the first woman Parade Adjutant, led all-men contingents during the parade, drawing praise from senior officers and loud cheers from the audience. — PTI