New Army Chief MM Naravane Visits Siachen, Assures All Facilities To Jawans To Counter Hostile Conditions

Army chief MM Naravane, who is on his first visit to Siachen after taking office, on Thursday said he is aware that the Indian Army operates in a very tough situation, inhospitable terrain and hostile weather condition there. He assured that all the efforts are being made to provide the army with all facilities, including clothing or better rations, to cope up the hostile conditions. Conveying his wishes for the new year, the Army Chief said, “It’s always been my intention to come here on taking over but weather was not very good in 1st week of Jan. But I’m happy that this is my 1st visit as the Chief of Army Staff.”

Army Chief General MM Naravane in Siachen: I would like to convey my best wishes&greetings for New Year. It's always been my intention to come here on taking over but weather was not very good in 1st week of Jan. But I'm happy that this is my 1st visit as the Chief of Army Staff. https://t.co/kE4OzPHrAS pic.twitter.com/abEg3qlI8L

— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2020

Manoj Mukund Naravane took over as the 28th Chief of Army Staff after previous Army chief Bipin Rawat was appointed as India's first Chief of Defence Staff. Before taking charge as Vice Chief of the Army Staff in September, Lt Gen Naravane was heading the Eastern Command of the Indian Army. The Eastern Command takes care of the 4,000-km border that India shares with China.

In his 37 years of service, Lt Gen Naravane has served in numerous command and staff appointments in peace, field and highly active counter-insurgency environments in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast. Lt Gen Naravane is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. He was commissioned into the 7th battalion, the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment in June 1980.

Siachen, the highest battle ground on earth

The Northern Command of the Indian Army is entrusted with manning the country’s borders with Pakistan and China. (Photo: ANI)

Siachen, which is the highest battle ground on earth, has witnessed India-Pakistan disputes over the Siachen glacier. India’s in 1984 had successfully taken control of capture of the Siachen Glacier as part of Operation Meghdoot. The Northern Command of the Indian Army is entrusted with manning the country’s borders with Pakistan and China.