India has given befitting reply to cross-border firing: Army chief

New Delhi, Jan 15 Firing and infiltration has continued at the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, but India has given a befitting reply, the army chief, General Dalbir Singh said on Friday.

"The continuing cross-border firing and infiltration bids have kept the Line of Control active. You (Army) have given a befitting reply to the enemy at the border," General Singh said at the 68th Army Day parade on Friday.

The General added that "vigilance" along the "border and other difficult areas", has brought down infiltration.

"We have also caught large number of terrorists in surgical operations and killed many of their key leaders. We have also recovered large quantity of explosives," he said.

The Army chief said this has been done "maintaining the human rights standards".

The general added despite the counter-infiltration and counter-terrorist operations, the Indian Army has taken care of its primary role and is always ready to face any challenge.

Talking about China, General Singh said India wants "constructive engagement" and the understanding between armies on both sides has improved.

"On the northern front, India wants constructive engagement with China. Both sides are adopting confidence building measures to reduce tension at the border."

He, however, added that infiltration continues in the "disputed areas" along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and patrolling continues from our side.

"However there is improvement in the understanding between the two armies," he said.

The Army Day is celebrated on January 15, every year to commemorate the day when Lieutenant General K. M. Cariappa took over as Commander-in-Chief of India on January 1949. He took over the position from General Sir Francis Butcher.

Along with General Singh, Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Navy chief Admiral R.K. Dhowan were also present at the parade, along with other senior Army officers and delegates from different countries.

The Army chief also inspected a parade, which showcased marching contingents including the Dog Contingent of Indian Army.

Mechanised columns on display included T-90 tanks, Brahmos missiles,and AAkash missile systems.

The parade was followed by a display by motorcycle team of the Indian Army, and a combat drill that brought alive a surgical operation.