China's assertiveness in Dokalam to dominate Army commanders'

China's muscle flexing in the Dokalam Plateau and overall security challenges along the Sino-India border as well as in Jammu and Kashmir are likely to dominate a week-long conference of the Army's top commanders beginning Monday.
Official sources said all possible security threats facing the country and issues of concern including the 73- day-long Dokalam standoff and the gradual increase in troop level by China in the Dokalam Plateau will be discussed at the key conclave.
Over a month after the end of the Dokalam face-off, China has strengthened its military presence near the site of the standoff and even started widening an existing road which is at a distance of around 12 km from the area of the conflict.

"All the issues having ramifications for India's security will be discussed," a senior army official said when asked whether China's assertiveness in Dokalam Plateau will be deliberated upon.
Director General Staff Duties Lt Gen Vijay Singh said the Army commanders are expected to discuss current and emerging perspectives on issues related to operations and logistics among others.
"This time, there will be change in conduct of the conference wherein each Army Command will put forth their view points and concerns on various issues having a bearing on the field formations and the Indian Army as a whole," he said.

Troops of India and China were locked in a standoff in Dokalam since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Dokalam.

Bhutan and India were in touch with each other during the course of the face-off that ended on August 28. Days later, Army Chief Bipin Rawat had said China has started "flexing its muscles" and warned that the situation in India's northern border could snowball into a larger conflict.
There are also reports that People's Liberation Army (PLA) has increased more troops on its forward post in Yatung.
The key conference will also be addressed by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Sources said the top commanders are also likely to analyse the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir with a focus on bolstering counter-terror operations.

Lt Gen Singh said the briefing by each command at the commanders conference will be followed by updates on current security issues by principal staff officers of the integrated headquarters of the defence ministry.
He said there will be an interaction with the defence secretary and other senior officials of the defence ministry.
"It will provide a platform to interact and address outstanding issues with the ministry," said Singh.
The conclave will also deliberate on issues relating to human resources management and welfare of troops.
The conclave will also have a session for Special Selection Board for promotion of senior Army officers to the rank of Lt Gen.