Army commander visits forward areas in Arunachal Pradesh

KOLKATA: Eastern Army commander Lt Gen MM Naravane ended a three-day visit to forward areas in Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday. The Eastern Command GOC-in-C was briefed by local commanders and inspected infrastructure and deployment along the Line of Actual Control ( LAC ). Lt Gen Naravane emphasised the need to develop requisite capacities with special emphasis on operational preparedness.

"During his visit, the GOC-in-C met commanders of the Spearhead Division and Gajraj Corps. They briefed him about the situation on the ground and activities along the LAC. A lot of infrastructural development has taken place in this area but more is required. This area is also vulnerable due to the inhospitable terrain and climate. The Army commander appreciated the hard work of the troops posted there," an officer said.

China has for long staked claim to the state of Arunachal Pradesh and also objected to the Dalai Lama 's visit there a few months ago. India has been improving infrastructure by modernising Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) and turning them capable of handling all kinds of aircraft. India has also carried out exercises where both transport and fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force have landed at the ALGs. India is also making efforts to strengthen roads for better connectivity to forward areas.

While returning from Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen Naravane also visited a few formations in Assam and interacted with the GOC, Gajraj Corps.