Increase In Chinese Patrol, Activity Along Borders: Eastern Army Commander

Lt Gen Manoj Pande, the commander of the Eastern Army, has stated that there has been a marginal increase in the border patrolling by the Chinese Army along with an increase in the annual training exercises, reports India Today.

“China is carrying out integrated joint operation exercises. They are bringing together various elements of their armed forces. This year there has been an increase in scale and they have continued for a longer duration,” said Lt Gen Pande.

He further added, “There has been a marginal increase in PLA patrols in some areas but there is no noticeable change in patrolling patterns. There has been some increase in the annual training in exercises in depth areas. Reserved formations continue to remain in training areas.”

“Last one and a half years have been a matter of concern for us. The Eastern command enhanced the preparedness levels and capability to respond to any contingency,” he added.

The Commander also highlighted that both the sides are in the process of enhancing the infrastructure closer to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and this leads to friction at times.

“We've enhanced our surveillance both in LAC and depth areas. We have adequate force available in each sector to deal with any contingency that arrives. Patrolling pattern has not increased or changed much, in some areas there is a marginal increase,” assured the Army Commander.

Furthermore, he stated that Indian Army has inducted surveillance drones, better surveillance radars, communication systems and also better night vision ability.

India has augmented its day and night surveillance of border areas in Arunachal Pradesh.

Several Israeli heron medium-altitude long-endurance drones are conducting round-the-clock surveillance over the LAC in the mountainous terrain. They are sending critical data and images to the concerned command and control centres.

The Indian Army has opened up an independent aviation brigade in the region in order to augment its overall preparedness on the operational front.

“Overall, our day and night surveillance capability has seen massive upgrades since last year and we are in a much better position to deal with any eventualities in the region,” one of the sources in the know of developments was quoted in a report by the Times of India.