Jammu, March 15 : Stating that with the operational challenges on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Line of Control (LOC), Indian Army remains committed to provide succor in times of natural disasters, Northern Command Army Commander, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said that the Indian Army believes in constructive dialogue via military, diplomatic means to resolve border issues. “We are committed to defend India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and believe in a constructive dialogue through both military and diplomatic means to resolve the border issues,” Lt Gen Dwivedi said while speaking at the Investiture Ceremony of the Northern Command at Udhampur. “We are keeping a constant watch on all developments and will take all necessary steps to protect our national interests,” said the GOC-in-C. He said, “restoration of peace and tranquility to enable progress in bilateral relations has been and will remain our constant endeavour.” Besides, he said that the operational challenges on the LAC and LOC, we remain committed to providing succor in the times of natural disasters which includes Covid-19. However, while welcoming the gathering, the Army Commander extended compliments to the brave awardees for their inspiring acts of valour and sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. “At the outset I assure you all that Northern Command is in a high state of readiness to face the constantly evolving threats and challenges. The security situation in Northern Command continues to remain volatile, as we are the only command in active operations facing adversaries from both the Northern & Western front, in addition to the internal security threats,” said the General. The ‘Whole of nation’ approach has led to the progressive improvement in the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, he said adding, “the extraordinary zeal and motivation among all ranks reassures me that security of our borders is in safe hands.” “In many ways, 2021 was an exigent year for the Indian Armed Forces. Our troops have displayed exceptional bravery through a well-coordinated and aggressive response strategy on the Northern borders. Our forces have shown exemplary courage and remarkable fortitude in these testing times,” he said. He conveyed his gratitude to the brave soldiers of Indian Army for their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty defying all odds in Op Rakshak, Op Meghdoot and Op Snow Leopard. “I also take this opport ty to laud the efforts of Covid warriors whose relentless efforts have kept us protected in these testing times. Operation Sadbhavana has bridged the gap between the Armed Forces and the Awam resulting in a better Civil-Military integration and coordination,” he added. “I exhort all ranks of Northern Command to be prepared for varied challenges on the internal and external security front. The nation looks upon us in times of crises and we have to live up to the hopes and trust reposed on us by our countrymen,” he said. Ninety two gallantry awards were presented to those who showed exemplary courage under extreme circumstances and twenty five distinguished service awards were presented for selfless service to the nation. Out of the gallantry awards, nineteen of them were awarded posthumously to the next of kin of the soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. S ta Dwivedi, Regional President AWWA, Northern Command interacted with the next of kin and presented them with a token of appreciation for the sacrifices. VBH ACL1154