Rajnath reviews LAC situation in eastern sector at Army's Trishakti Corps in Sukna

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday reviewed combat preparedness of Indian Army at Sukna-based headquarters of its 33 Corps which is responsible for guarding Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Sikkim sector, officials said.

defence minister arrived at key military base, popularly kwn as 'Trishakti' Corps, in Darjeeling district in late afteron as part of his two-day visit to West Bengal and Sikkim to review military preparedness in view of border row with China in eastern Ladakh as well as to celebrate Dussehra with soldiers.

Singh is accompanied by Chief of Army Staff General Maj Mukund Naravane.

Army has significantly bolstered deployment of troops and weaponry along nearly 3,500 km-long LAC including in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors.

officials said top commanders of 33 Corps gave detailed briefing to defence minister and Gen Naravane on situation along LAC in Sikkim sector as well as about deployment of troops and weapons.

In an interaction with a group of Army personnel, defence minister conveyed his wishes to m on occasion of Vijayadashami and hailed ir dedication in securing nation's borders.

"Due to brave soldiers like you, borders of this country are protected. whole country is proud of you," he said.

defence minister also talked about rich history of Trishakti Corps.

" Trishakti Corps has a great golden history. Especially in 1962, 1967, 1971 and 1975, this Corps demonstrated examples of valour. It has been excellent," he said.

"I extend my best wishes to all of you and your family for festival of Vijayadashami," defence minister's office tweeted quoting him as saying.

Officials said Singh will perform 'Shastra puja'(worship of weapons) at Sherathang area in Sikkim on Sunday morning on occasion of Dussehra.

defence minister had performed ‘Shastra Puja’ in French port city of Bordeaux during Dussehra last year as he was on a bilateral visit to country n.

Singh has been performing ‘Shastra Puja’ during Dussehra for last several years including during his tenure as Union Home Minister in previous NDA government.

Almost all formations of Indian Army along LAC are on a very high-level of alert in view of border row with China in eastern Ladakh.

India and China are locked in an over five-month-long bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained ir ties.

Both sides held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve row. However, breakthrough has been achieved to end standoff. 

Im Credits: PTI