Union Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, on Friday reviewed the forward deployment and operational preparedness of the forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.

He arrived in Leh on Friday on a two-day official visit. Upon arrival, Bhatt was received by Lieutenant General P.G.K. Menon, General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps.

The Union Minister then visited Chushul in Eastern Ladakh where he was briefed by Menon about the security situation in the region.

Ajay Bhatt reviews operational preparedness of forces along LAC
Ajay Bhatt reviews operational preparedness of forces along LACIANS

Bhatt was also briefed on the role played by the Indian Army, as a partner in the development of the Ladakh region, through infrastructure, welfare and human resource development activities.

Bhatt interacts with troops

While interacting with the commanders and troops deployed there, Bhatt complimented them for guarding the borders along the most inhospitable and difficult terrain, while maintaining a high standard of professionalism.

Ajay Bhatt reviews operational preparedness of forces along LAC
Ajay Bhatt reviews operational preparedness of forces along LACIANS

Assuring the soldiers of the nation's support, Singh exhorted all ranks to remain vigilant and maintain a high order of operational readiness.

Ajay Bhatt reviews operational preparedness of forces along LAC
Ajay Bhatt reviews operational preparedness of forces along LACIANS

It may be mentioned here that in a major breakthrough earlier this month, India and China withdrew troops from Patrolling Point (PP) 17A in Gogra along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh.

(With inputs from IANS)