NEW DELHI: Army chief General Manoj Pande said that terrorists have been active again in Jammu and Kashmir for the past five or six months with the connivance of Pakistan, which is worried about the return of peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the annual press conference, the army chief said that the deployment and preparedness of Indian forces is at a high level to face any situation in eastern Ladakh where there is a conflict with China.

"The area of Rajouri Poonch has seen increased terrorist activities. Several infiltration attempts along the Line of Control (LoC) have been foiled by the Indian Army. Terrorism was eliminated in Kashmir and peace was restored in 2017-18. Opponents are promoting a shadow war to disrupt that peace. Intelligence has been strengthened to counter it. Coordination between the police and the army has also been improved. Efforts are being made to take locals into confidence against terrorists and avoid human rights violations. Forces will be deployed well. Some units will be rearranged," Manoj Pande said.

Talks with China
“Currently our attempt is to continue with talks to go back to the status quo ante which existed in the middle of 2020. Once that happens, we can look at the larger issue of de-induction. The first aim is to be achieved. Troop deployment along the Line of Control will continue. 4G will be introduced in 355 military posts. The infrastructure of border airbases, villages and helipads is also improving," he said.

Situation under control in Manipur
"Violence has reduced in Manipur. Army and Assam Rifles brought the situation under control. The force is maintaining restraint. The challenge is the missing weapons. Only 30 percent was recovered," Pande said.