Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said that the security situation along the Western Front and in Jammu and Kashmir has remained “sensitive but firmly under control” since May 10, following India’s launch of Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror outfits deep inside Pakistani territory.
Addressing a press conference, the Army chief said there were clear indicators of positive change in Jammu and Kashmir, with terrorist recruitment in 2025 being almost non-existent.
“Since May 10, the situation along the Western Front and J&K remains sensitive but firmly under control. In 2025, 31 terrorists have been eliminated, of which 65 per cent were of Pakistani origin, including the three perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack neutralised during Operation Mahadev. Active local terrorists are now in single digits,” General Dwivedi said.
He added that only two local recruitments had been recorded this year, underscoring a significant decline in terrorist mobilisation.
“Terrorist recruitment is almost non-existent. Clear indicators of positive change include robust development activity, revival of tourism, and the peaceful conduct of the Sri Amarnath Yatra, which witnessed participation of over four lakh pilgrims, exceeding the five-year average. The theme of ‘terrorism to tourism’ is gradually taking shape,” he said.
Northeast and Myanmar Situation
General Dwivedi said a multi-agency security grid comprising the Assam Rifles, the Army and the Ministry of Home Affairs has been put in place to insulate the Northeast from spillover effects of developments in Myanmar.
“In response to turbulence in Myanmar, a comprehensive security grid is working to prevent spillover effects into the Northeast. With the successful conduct of phase two elections in Myanmar, we should now be able to engage more effectively,” he said.
Northern Front Stable, Vigil Required
On the Northern Front, the Army chief said the situation remains stable but requires constant vigilance.
“Apex-level interactions, renewed contact and confidence-building measures are contributing to gradual normalisation. This has enabled activities such as grazing, hydrotherapy camps and other engagements along the Northern Borders,” he said.
He added that India’s deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains balanced and robust, alongside ongoing infrastructure and capability enhancement through a whole-of-government approach.
Manipur, HADR Operations
General Dwivedi said the situation in Manipur has witnessed marked improvement due to neutral, transparent and decisive action by security forces and proactive government measures.
“The peaceful conduct of the Durand Cup, resumption of cultural festivals and the renewal of Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with Kuki insurgent groups in September 2025 have been key markers of stability,” he said.
Highlighting the Army’s role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), the chief said forces operated across two neighbouring countries and 10 Indian states, rescuing over 30,000 people.
“In several border states, the Army responded even before formal requests were received. These actions reaffirm our role as the natural first responder during HADR crises,” he said, recalling the daring rescue of CRPF personnel during the Punjab floods in Pathankot.
