In the wake of escalating tension along the Line of Control (LoC) and increasing ceasefire violations by Pakistan, Army chief Gen. Bikram Singh met PM Manmohan Singh on Monday evening, in a meeting that was described as “unscheduled”. The Army Chief is understood to have briefed the PM on the situation along the LoC.

The Chinese demand, made ahead of the mutual withdrawal from the face-off site in eastern Ladakh by India and China, that India dismantle its bunkers and other infrastructure, such as sophisticated surveillance equipment and posts in the sensitive Chumar sector of south-eastern Ladakh, has triggered speculation that India may eventually agree to some of these demands.

The IAF had last year asked the Union home ministry for adequate security cover by paramilitary forces on the ground and more infrastructure support for the non-combat support role of IAF helicopters

Hit by the rapid increase in Maoist violence against civilians, the government is considering calling in the Army and setting up a unified command to launch concerted anti-Naxalite operations.

If the government asks the Army to set up a unified command and join the war against the Maoists, it could turn to the Rashtriya Rifles which has acquired considerable expertise in counter-insurgency operations in the thick forests of Jammu and Kashmir. A minimum of three operational sectors with three Army battalions posted in each could be put in place if the Army is ordered to directly confront the Maoists, sources said.