Army Chief
General MM Naravane on Friday confirmed a “precautionary deployment” of troops
along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the eastern Ladakh region in light of
the “slightly tensed” situation in the area.

The Army chief’s statement has come in the wake of a fresh push by China to change the status quo along
the southern bank of the Lake Pangong, triggering further escalation in
tensions.

Also Read: Indian troops occupy strategic height south of Pangong Tso lake: Report

Speaking to
news agency ANI, Gen Naravane said, “The situation along LAC is slightly tensed.
Keeping in view of the situation, we have taken precautionary deployment for
our own safety and security, so that our security and integrity remain
safeguarded.”

“For the
last two-three months, the situation has been tensed but we have continuously
been engaging with China both at the military and diplomatic level. These
engagements are ongoing and will continue in the future also.”

Gen Naravane was confident the two sides could work out their differences through dialogue and said they will ensure the status quo along the Pangong Tso Lake remains unchanged. 

The army
chief is on a two-day visit to Ladakh to carry out a comprehensive review of
the security in the region, according to PTI.

Also Read: Provocative movements, violation of previous consensus by Chinese troops: Indian Army

On the first
day of his visit, on Thursday, Gen Narvane held a series of meetings with high-ranking
officers about the evolving situation in the region and India’s combat-preparedness
to deal with any potential situation.

“They (the
jawans) are highly motivated. Their morale is high and they’re fully prepared
to deal with any situation that may arise. I would like to reiterate that our
officers and men are the finest in the world and will make not only the Army
but also the nation proud,” Naravane told ANI.

Tensions have flared up in the Eastern Ladakh region since China launched an unsuccessful bid, on August 31, to occupy Indian territory along the southern bank of the Pangong Tso Lake. 

India occupies a number of strategic high ground points along the southern bank of the lake and has strengthened its presence in the Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas to retaliate to any Chinese aggression. 

While China has objected to India’s move, calling for it to withdraw all troops from the area, India has maintained that the heights are on its side of the LAC. 

The two countries have been locked in a border standoff since May. Twenty Indian soldiers and several Chinese soldiers were killed in clashes at Ladakh’s Galwan Valley on June 15.