Says “No Deterrence from Nuclear Threats; Stronger Response Next Time”
Pathankote: Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command on Sunday said that a significant improvement has been noticed in the security landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference at Mamun Military Station that sustained decline in terror activities has brought peace and stability in Jammu. He said “All terrorism parameters in Jammu and Kashmir have consistently declined. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir has become very normal.” Despite this improvement, he emphasized that army remains vigilant, noting, “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.”
In question on Operation Sindoor launched in May 2025, the Army Commander dismissed nuclear threats as a pressure tactic: “We see it as a bogey meant to prevent us from taking strong action. We will not get deterred by nuclear threats.” He clarified that the 88-hour conflict only concluded after Pakistan’s military bases suffered extensive damage, leading their DGMO to request a ceasefire. Regarding future provocations, he warned, “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.”
The Army is currently undergoing a major technological restructuring to enhance its deep-strike and reconnaissance capabilities. Lt Gen Katiyar announced the induction of dedicated “Ashni” drone platoons across infantry, artillery, and armored regiments, explaining, “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.” Furthermore, the Army is expanding its specialized “Bhairav” units—agile, light commando forces designed for deep-penetration missions inside hostile territory.
The investiture ceremony itself was transformed into a full-scale battlefield simulation, featuring drone swarms, Apache attack helicopters, and robotic mules. This shift from a traditional ceremonial format to a live combat demonstration was intended to signal high operational readiness. As Lt Gen Katiyar concluded, “Our preparation must be such that the enemy thinks ten times before undertaking any untoward act.”
