New Delhi: In recent times, Pakistani drones have been crossing the border and dropping arms and ammunition and other items onto Indian soil in Punjab. This issue will be discussed at the Army Commanders conference currently under way in the capital and which will conclude on October 19th.
This conference is held every April and October and important matters pertaining to security and administrative issues are taken up. Important decisions are normally taken at this conference.
This conference will also see discussions pertaining to the issues emanating from the bifurcation of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. As of Monday, the government has restored post paid mobile telephony connections in the valley.
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Other issues to be discussed include the modernization of the Army that has been suggested by four internal working groups. As part of its restructuring drive, the army has decided to reorganize the force into smaller Integrated Battle groups (IGP) which will consist of infantry units, artillery units, engineers, medical teams, signals and other personnel. This formation will lead to a faster mobilization during a war and better coordination between the forces.
The army also plans to raise the retirement age of its personnel. It is suggested to retain those who are experienced.
Though the issue of drones isn’t directly under the functional jurisdiction of the Indian Army.
The government has recently given permission to the security forces to shoot down drones flying upto 1000 metres or below. The Border Security Force has sounded an alert in the border regions of Punjab and is acquiring technology to tackle the threat.