Counter-insurgency takes a toll on us: Army chief

PLAINSPEAK: General Kapoor says there has been no increase in Chinese incursions across the LAC.

      

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Karan Thapar: It is said in the magazine India Today for example that only three Indian posts in Arunachal Pradesh are accessible by road and all the others have to be accessed by mule or foot.

General Deepak Kapoor The infrastructure is already coming up and it is a matter of time that we will be able to link up most of our posts by road.

Karan Thapar: But at the moment the disparity does exist?

General Deepak Kapoor There is a disparity and we are seriously looking into it and we are trying to change it.

Karan Thapar: But it is a fairly sharp disparity? The last few miles for the Indian army are the difficult miles to cove, whereas the Chinese can come right up to their side.

General Deepak Kapoor Mr Thapar, it must be understood in the context that are we in any way in a difficult position as far as the Line of Actual Control is concerned. If you were to ask me that question, then I would give you an answer that 'No we are not'. We are on our side fully vigilant and we are capable of looking after ourselves even with the kind of infrastructure that exists.

Karan Thapar: You are saying that there is a disparity but not a disparity that we can’t handle. In a way the army has learnt to operate with what is effectively a disadvantage.

General Deepak Kapoor I would not call it a disadvantage. We as an army are deployed all along the Line of Actual Control and we are quite deployed in areas where we need to hold them strongly and we have plans to be able to hold them well.

Karan Thapar: Just a moment ago you mentioned that their infrastructure allows them to move troops very quickly. Recently the Indian Express reported that with the result of roads and railways, the Chinese can move two divisions amounting to 10,000 troops within a space of 20-25 days. Earlier it would have taken three-six months. Does that worry you a little?

General Deepak Kapoor Well that is a matter of concern, but the fact is that if and when they move, there are also images available through the means of satellite when any such movements take place. So there is ample opportunity for sufficient notice to meet such a challenge, if and when it does arise.