Jaisalmer, May 2 (IANS) Defence Minister A.K. Antony Monday reviewed the operational preparedness of Indian Army troops along the Pakistan border in Rajasthan and asked them to remain vigilant to thwart any ‘misadventure by our adversary’.
Antony, who went to the forward areas near here on a day-long trip, asked the troops to ‘remain alert and be prepared to tackle any misadventure by our adversary’ and promised to enhance military infrastructure and habitat for the personnel in the harsh desert terrain, a defence ministry release said.
The desert sector is defended by the army’s Pune-based Southern Command. The army will hold a massive summer war game in the deserts along the Pakistan border in the Bikaner sector later this month to validate its battle concepts and doctrines, primarily the use of firepower such as artillery, main battle tanks and armoured personnel carriers in destroying enemy targets.
Antony, who arrived at Jailsalmer along with army chief General V.K. Singh and defence secretary Pradeep Kumar, was received by the southern army commander, Lt. Gen. A.K. Singh, and Konark corps commander Lt. Gen. Narendra Singh.
Immediately on arrival, the defence minister, along with the field commanders, embarked on a tour of the forward-most locations to meet with the troops guarding the border in extremely harsh conditions of sweltering heat and frequent dust-storms.
He was briefed in detail on operational and infrastructure issues. During his interaction with the troops, the defence minister also expressed his satisfaction at the operational preparedness along the borders and gave his assurance to look into the aspects of enhancing infrastructure and habitat for troops, the release said.
Later, Antony visited Jaisalmer military station, where he was given a detailed briefing on operational aspects. The need for enhancing infrastructure at key military stations and forward locations was stressed upon for enhancing the operational and fighting efficiency of field units.
He complimented all ranks for their display of ‘unflinching morale, high fighting spirit and operational preparedness in such a difficult terrain and adverse climatic conditions’.
