Pak continues to support proxy war in J-K: Army chief

The "fragile peace" in Jammu and Kashmir was achieved at a great cost and now has to be maintained by building on the gains, Army Chief Gen. Dalbir Singh today said even as he accused Pakistan of continuing to support proxy war in the state.
On the occasion of 67th Army Day, Singh said that the past year was full of challenges for the army as it was engaged in effectively countering the "external threats" over vast land borders. It also efficiently handled internal security challenges and met its international commitments under United Nations, he said.
"The spectrum of operations has significantly increased over time," he said, noting that security challenges have grown and become more complex.

Referring to J-K, the Army Chief said that the security situation there, though stable, requires consolidation.
The handsome voter turnout in the just-concluded election in the state -- the highest ever for Assembly elections -- reflects the trust of the people in the security system, he said.
On the challenge posed by terrorism, Singh warned that "the desperate strikes by the terrorists recently in our country as well as in Pakistan... Are a grim reminder that the terrorist infrastructure across the border remains intact and Pakistan's support to the proxy war continues unabated".

The Army Chief added, "This fragile peace in J-K has been achieved at great cost, together we need to build on our gains."

On the situation along the border with China, Singh said that due to an improvement in ties, "mutual trust has increased".
He said there has been increased interaction between the two forces, including border-post and flag meetings.
The Army Chief also said that the situation in the North- East was "peaceful and under control".
However, the influx of illegal migrants, inter-tribal rivalry, slow pace of development and presence of external support structures remain a potent challenge, he said.
"We need to keep our ears to the ground to foresee any untoward development," the Army Chief said.
Singh said that achieving greater synergy in operations with the navy and the air force remains a fundamental objective for ensuring success on the battlefield.

"We are working towards greater integration. There is joint review underway to enhance the operational capability of our island territories in keeping with the evolving geo- strategic environment," he said.
He said that the army needs to focus on war preparation, which is its "primary task".