LAC situation: more communication at ground level, no pushing or physical contact, says Lt. Gen. Dwivedi

The situation on the Line of Actual Control was stable but in a state of “heightened alert” and to make sure that there was no irritant that was likely to become a violent situation, firstly at the lower level, various channels of communication have been opened up. Pointing out that the situation on the LAC was in a state of heightened alert as ‘‘we don’t want a repeat of the situation of April 2020”, the Army Commander remarked, “As a result, the force and equipment deployments are calibrated in nature and we will make sure any misadventure by the adversary does not take place again.” As far as the LAC was concerned, he observed that there were negotiations as the difference of perception of it had been there for very long. We both need to have strategic patience.” Asked about the proposal from the Chinese side during the talks, he said the stand had always been, as also stated officially by both sides, was that they must maintain peace and tranquillity along the border, negotiate instead of letting the violence level getting heightened again, and “both come half way.” “Now the issue is the perceptional difference of this half-way. The trust that was broken in April 2020 has to be rebuilt.” On rebuilding trust, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi explained: “Let’s de-escalate, let’s withdraw our military to larger distances from the LAC, and once that happens, I am sure de-escalation will take place automatically. ” Northern Command’s role The Northern Command exemplified the notion of the “two and a half front.” “The ‘eyeball to eyeball’ deployment, ranging from the plains of Jammu to the Siachen Glacier and further to eastern Ladakh, and the dynamic internal security situation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir made the Command the most unique theatre.