Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar Assesses Operational Preparedness in Arunachal Pradesh

Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, who commands the Spear Corps of the Indian Army, recently visited the forward areas to evaluate the operational readiness in the strategically significant high-altitude zones of Arunachal Pradesh. This visit is conducted amidst ongoing attention on border security along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

During his assessment of deployments in challenging terrains and severe weather, Lt Gen Pendharkar commended the troops for their professionalism and high morale at these isolated posts. His visit also included a tribute to a memorial for the 1962 Battle of Walong, where 642 Indian soldiers and 752 Chinese soldiers perished, highlighting the area's significant historical and strategic importance.

In addition to military evaluations, the General engaged with local residents through Operation Sadbhavna, the Indian Army’s longstanding civic action initiative. He recognized the essential role of local communities in nation-building and praised their ongoing collaboration with the Army's outreach efforts.

The visit also underscores the ongoing infrastructure development by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which has been enhancing connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh since the 1960s. These road networks are crucial for troop movement and integrating border communities into the national framework.

Lt Gen Pendharkar, an experienced officer with a background in counter-insurgency operations and leadership in conflict resolution in Manipur, stressed the importance of both operational vigilance and civilian engagement. His review of the forward areas emphasizes the Indian Army’s strategic commitment to enhancing deterrence and maintaining stability along India’s northeastern border.