China Constantly Developing LAC Infrastructure: Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita

Guwahati: The Eastern Army Commander, Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita, has stated that following the announcement on the reduction of the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958, the army is moving out of areas where the Act was in effect and has been re-inducted in the Northern Borders. He stated that China is constructing infrastructure on their side of the border, while India is improving infrastructure across the border.

“Following the notification on reduction of AFSPA, some portion of the army has been withdrawn from counter insurgency operations and re-inducted and tasked to focus on the primary front, that is the Northern borders,” he told the media in Guwahati for the first time after taking over the Eastern command on Monday.

He went on to say that the army is relieved since it can now focus on its primary mission of combating external threats rather than domestic security. “The CAPF and police capabilities have been much boosted,” he stated.

Last month, the Centre announced the withdrawal of AFSPA from different areas under 15 police station limits in the valley districts of Manipur.

“Infrastructure work has been carried out, roads have been built, and historic advanced landing sites have been reactivated in Arunachal Pradesh,” he said, admitting that the terrain and bad weather were big problems on the border front.

“A lot of infrastructural development is taking place in the Tibet region across the Line of Actual Control. The opposing side is continually improving their road, rail, and air connectivity in order to better respond to emergencies and mobilise forces “.China has constructed border communities around the LAC that can serve dual roles. He claimed that the Indian Army was completely prepared and had a “high degree of operational readiness.”

He commented on the December 4 firing incident in Nagaland’s Mon district, in which 14 civilians and a security personnel were killed: “A case of mistaken identity had occurred. The court of inquiry report has been examined, and the SIT report has been received and analysed. For the lapses, necessary action will be taken. Delinquency will be dealt with in accordance with the Army Act and requirements.”

According to him, security in Northeast India has improved.