Pathankot, Feb 26 (KNO): Noting a sustained decline in terrorism indicators in Jammu and Kashmir, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, on Thursday said the security situation in the Union Territory has “become very normal,” even as the Army remains vigilant against cross-border attempts to disturb peace.
Addressing a press conference on the sidelines of the Investiture Ceremony at Mamun Military Station here, Lt Gen Katiyar, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “All terrorism parameters in Jammu and Kashmir have consistently declined. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir has become very normal.”
“However, Pakistan keeps on hatching conspiracies to send a few terrorists to disturb the atmosphere. Our Army and all departments of the civil administration are fully prepared to deal with it,” he said.
Responding to queries about encounters in the Kathua-Kishtwar belt, he said the Army acts promptly on intelligence inputs. “Wherever we receive information, we take immediate and prompt action. This year, in several successful operations, we neutralised terrorists who had come to create disturbances in our country.”
TERRORIST LAUNCH PADS ACROSS BORDER UNDER WATCH
On the reported revival of terror launch pads and camps across the border following Operation Sindoor, the Army Commander said the developments are under constant surveillance.
“We have kept them under watch. We are fully aware of what actions are taking place there. If they are trying to regenerate or reassemble their terrorist bases, we have that information. We will formulate our plans accordingly,” he said, adding that operational details could not be shared due to security considerations.
Lt Gen Katiyar alleged that infiltration attempts continue to receive backing from across the border. “We believe the Pakistan Army is supporting infiltration. The terrorists are coming after training, and there is a possibility that the Pakistan Army may be helping in their training,” he said.
He further accused Pakistan’s military leadership of perpetuating confrontation to retain domestic relevance. “Their relevance comes through a state of confrontation with India. Despite repeated peace efforts from our side, they keep doing something to keep this confrontation alive,” he said.
WILL NOT BE DETERRED BY NUCLEAR THREATS
Dismissing nuclear threats as a pressure tactic, Lt Gen Katiyar asserted that the Indian Army would not be deterred in safeguarding national security.
“We see it as a bogey meant to prevent us from taking strong action. We will not get deterred by nuclear threats,” he said.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said Pakistan had issued nuclear warnings while simultaneously seeking a ceasefire. “During Operation Sindoor, they desperately sought a ceasefire while issuing nuclear threats. We ignored those threats. This time, we are better prepared, with a clear future plan,” he stated.
On the possibility of another retaliatory action, he said Pakistan had been taught a “very strong lesson” and any renewed provocation would invite a stronger response. “Our preparations are ongoing. If they do not understand this lesson and create conflict conditions again due to their internal reasons, we will respond in an even better and stronger manner,” he said.
Asked about the scale of a potential future response, the Army Commander said, “The response will be stronger than what we have done earlier. How far we go and at what level depends on the situation at that time, but we are very clear that it will be harsher than last time.”
Clarifying claims about foreign mediation during Operation Sindoor, Lt Gen Katiyar outlined the sequence of events. “After the attack on May 7, 2025, our DGMO conveyed that we had completed our action and wanted to talk. They refused. Fighting continued for 88 hours. After extensive damage to their military bases, their DGMO approached ours, and it was during that conversation that the ceasefire draft was prepared. After deliberations, our government accepted the request,” he said.
Rejecting suggestions that civilian areas were targeted, he said the operation was precise and objective-driven. “We did not target any civilian areas. We initially targeted only terrorist bases. When Pakistan attacked our military stations, we responded by attacking their military stations and air bases.”
Reiterating the Army’s preparedness, Lt Gen Katiyar said operational readiness must serve as a deterrent. “Our preparation must be such that the enemy thinks ten times before undertaking any untoward act," he said.
ARMY TO RAISE DEDICATED DRONE PLATOONS
Lt General Katiyar said the Indian Army is set to induct dedicated drone platoons across infantry, artillery and armoured regiments while expanding specialised ‘Bhairav’ units to strengthen deep-strike and special operations capabilities.
He said the Army has restructured its formations in recognition of the growing importance of drones and autonomous systems in modern warfare.
Lt General Katiyar said dedicated 'Ashni' drone platoons— small sub-units within infantry battalions — have already been created, and similar specialised platoons will now be raised in every regiment, including artillery and armoured units.
The Army Commander noted that these platoons have developed expertise in drone operations, adding that every regiment will have a component specialising in drone warfare. Drone integration, he said, has been carried out down to the smallest sub-units, reflecting a shift toward networked and technology-driven combat.
Highlighting operational readiness, Lt Gen Katiyar said future conflicts are likely to demand swift, precise action both to protect troops and to conduct accurate strikes against hostile targets. The expansion of drone capabilities is aimed at enhancing surveillance, reconnaissance and precision engagement capacity across formations.
He added that most of the drones recently showcased during a military demonstration were manufactured in Western Command workshops. The Army has begun fabricating drones in-house at scale, tailoring them to specific operational requirements. According to him, in-house production allows the Army to align technology development with field realities and evolving battlefield needs.
‘BHAIRAV’ UNITS
Alongside drone expansion, the Army is strengthening its specialised ‘Bhairav’ battalions, which are being structured as agile, light commando forces capable of operating independently in hostile territory.
Lt Gen Katiyar said these battalions are intended to enhance strike and special operations capability, particularly in scenarios requiring deep penetration and rapid execution. Future battlefields, he indicated, would rely increasingly on small, mobile teams capable of precision tasks beyond conventional frontlines.
The ‘Bhairav’ units are expected to be employed for deep operations inside adversary territory as part of an integrated operational framework.
WESTERN COMMAND SHOWCASES DECISIVE COMBAT READINESS
People of Pathankot wakeup with unusual sounds of blasts and hovering of fighter aircrafts in the skies on Thursday morning as Western Command turned its annual investiture ceremony into a full-scale battlefield simulation at Dhyan Chand Stadium, Mamun Military Station, sending a strong message on combat readiness and future warfighting capabilities.
The ceremony was presided over by Western Command, Army Commander Manoj Kumar Katiyar, it combined military honours with an elaborate Operational and Combat Capability Demonstration, transforming the stadium into a live war zone for over an hour. The event was attended by senior military officials, civil administration representatives, police and paramilitary officers, veterans, families and local civilians.
Breaking away from the traditional hall-based format, Lt Gen Katiyar said the decision to hold the ceremony in a field environment reflected the Army’s combat-focused mindset.
“Instead of a ceremonial display, we showcased modern equipment and operational capabilities. This is our way of thanking the units that performed exceptionally well during Operation Sindoor,” he said. Units were honoured for exemplary service during Operation Sindoor and Operation Rahat, reinforcing what the Army Commander described as a culture of “courage, professionalism and selfless service.”
The highlight of the demonstration was the debut performance of the elite Bhairav Battalion, a newly raised light commando force designed to bridge the gap between conventional infantry and Para Special Forces. The battalion executed coordinated heliborne assaults, anti-terror strikes and simulated deep-penetration missions. Robotic mules, sniffer dogs and small assault teams demolished a mock terror hideout amid controlled blasts and live-fire manoeuvres.
“These specialised battalions will enhance our strike and special operations capability. In coming times, small, agile teams capable of penetrating deep into hostile territory will be decisive,” Lt Gen Katiyar said.
A swarm of indigenous drones dominated the skyline, including long-range UAVs with ranges exceeding 100 km. Missile-armed unmanned systems, surveillance drones and loitering munitions showcased precision strike capabilities.
The Army Commander announced the raising of dedicated “Ashni” drone platoons across infantry, artillery and armoured regiments.
“We realised the use of drones is extremely important. Therefore, we have integrated drone usage across all units, right down to the smallest sub-units,” he said.
The demonstration also featured battlefield digitisation and network-centric warfare systems, integrated multi-domain operations combining land, air and electronic warfare, BrahMos and Akash missile batteries in simulated precision engagements, Ajeya tank formations and latest field artillery guns, Apache attack helicopters providing aerial fire support, Multi-sector drone swarms operated in sync with ground formations, reflecting Western Command’s ability to conduct deep precision engagements and shape the tactical battlefield.
Referring to past conflicts including 1971 and Kargil, Lt Gen Katiyar said the western neighbour had failed to learn lessons. “Operation Sindoor was another lesson. While we are committed to peace, any future provocation will be met with far more decisive action,” he warned. He stressed that the danger has not receded. “Our preparation must be greater than before, and the response stronger than in the past.”—(KNO)