Scrapping of Article 370 historic step, claims Indian Army chief

NEW DELHI: Abrogation of Article 370 is a historic step which will connect Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country, Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the Army Day parade, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane said, "Abrogation of Article 370 is a historical step which will connect Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country.

“Its abrogation has disrupted proxy war by our western neighbour (Pakistan)." Article 370 of the Constitution granted a special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir, reported foreign media. Reiterating that the army has zero-tolerance towards terrorism, Naravane said, "Indian Army has zero tolerance policy towards terrorism and we have several options to give a befitting reply to such activities."

The army chief added, "To prepare the Army for future wars, we are focusing on enhancing our capabilities in contact and non-contact warfare." Army Chief Gen MM Naravane, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat were present as the army showcased its military might and some of its state-of-the-art assets at the majestic Army Day parade on Wednesday. The Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to mark Lt Gen K M Cariappa taking over as commander-in-chief of the Indian Army in 1949 from General Francis Butcher, the last British commander-in-chief of India.