On Friday, former Cabinet Minister & erstwhile Army Chief Gen. V.K. Singh ( Retd ) underscored the critical importance of collective responsibility in the realm of India’s internal security, urging all citizens to actively engage in safeguarding the interests of the nation.Addressing the audience at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, he articulated that safeguarding the national interest should be a collective obligationI. It is incumbent upon us to share this responsibility with all whom we encounter. It is imperative that citizens should put their personal pride & selfish obligations aside to stand united during times of crisis in the internal security of the country exhibiting the flexibility required to devise solutions contributing to the general welfare of the nation as a whole.
Earlier on Thursday, Gen Singh lauded the Indo-China border agreement and stressed on the need to work out the modalities of the decision by those present on ground. “It is a very positive step that has happened, and I would especially like to commend our diplomats for achieving something that has been pending for quite some time. However, it is important to understand that this is an agreement for disengagement and patrolling, and the specifics will take time to finalize. The details need to be worked out by the people on the ground,” General VK Singh said while speaking to the news agency ANI.
He further observed that the mutual agreement between India and China has provided filip to a much more conducive environment indicating the potential possibility that the leaders involved in these key negotiations are poised to arrive at mutually advantageous resolutions.”Various meetings will take place, and only then will we see the outcomes”, Gen. Singh remarked. He is of the view that a favorable atmosphere has been cultivated where both leaders can engage in meaningful and pragmatic discussions.
In a significant cum momentous advancement amidst the protracted 10-month military impasse, along the actual line of control passing through Eastern Ladakh. India and China have brokered a formal accord to withdraw their respective forces beyond from the southern and eastern peripheries of the disputed ‘Pangong’ lake. This landmark decision was proclaimed by the Defense Ministers , Mr. Singh in the parliament on Thursday , stating that the Chinese troops would move back eastwards beyond the boundary of Finger 8., while the Indian side would return to the Dhan Singh Thapa post near Finger 3.
Addressing the Rajya Sabha, the Minister remarked,“I am pleased to inform the House today that as a result of our well-thought-out approach and sustained talks with the Chinese side, we have reached an agreement on disengagement in the North and South Banks of the Pangong Lake. It has also been agreed to convene the next meeting of the Senior Commanders within 48 hours after the complete disengagement in the Pangong Lake area to address and resolve all remaining issues.”
