Threat of terrorism thriving across the border; Northern Border remains Stable yet sensitive: Army Chief Huma Siddiqui New Delhi, Jan 11 In response to media queries, General Pande reassured that an ample number of military personnel are strategically deployed, capable of addressing any potential challenges, and affirmed the maintenance of this troop strength. Speaking specifically about Eastern Ladakh, General Pande assured that “our operational preparedness remains at a high level. Talks are going on at the military and diplomatic levels to find a solution to the LAC issues in eastern Ladakh.” The standoff between Indian and Chinese troops has persisted for over three years, with disengagement occurring in some areas following extensive diplomatic and military dialogues. Touching upon the Jammu & Kashmir region, specifically Poonch and Rajouri, General Pande pointed out the ongoing threat of terrorism thriving across the border, implicitly attributing it to Pakistan’s support for various terrorist groups. He identified the Rajouri-Poonch sector as an area where the adversary actively aids terrorism. During an annual press conference in Delhi, General Pande said in response to a question that there is a reduction in cases of violence on the country’s borders in the year 2023. He underlined the Army’s success in preventing infiltration attempts on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, noting an overall decline in violence in the interior areas of the region. Regarding security measures, General Pande highlighted, “We have a strong anti-drone mechanism in place to stop the use of drones to smuggle weapons and narcotics.” He drew attention to the increased terrorist activities in the Rajouri-Poonch sector, mentioning ongoing support infrastructure for proxy tandems from across the border. Reflecting on the situation in Rajouri and Poonch in the last 5-6 months, General Pande expressed concern. He stated, “By 2003, terrorism in this area was fully disseminated, and peace was established there till 2017-18. Because peace is coming in the valley, our adversaries are encouraging proxy tanzeems in the area,” in a veiled reference to Pakistan’s involvement. Discussing decisions made in the national interest, General Pande outlined, “The Indian Army has taken big and important decisions in the national interest. According to the demand of time, modern electronic warfare in the army has been made more harmonious and stronger.” Shifting the focus to the security situation in North-East India, General Pande remarked, “The Northeast has witnessed positive developments in the last year because of the proactive policies of the government. The violence parameters have overall come down.” He explained the cross-border situation allowing some insurgent groups to enter Manipur, creating a delicate situation that authorities are diligently addressing. Concerning the Agniveers recruitment, General Pande shared, “The first two batches of Agniveers are now fully deployed in field units, and the feedback is very exciting and positive.” He noted the deployment of 120 women officers with permanent commissions in command roles, commending their performance in field areas. Additionally, he highlighted the transition from traditional conduct to fully online competitive and promotion exams by the end of the year. Responding to queries about talks between Bhutan and China on their boundary dispute, General Pande asserted, “We have robust military engagement with Bhutan and closely monitoring developments.” He maintained that any developments affecting India’s security are vigilantly observed. Expressing concern about the situation along the Indo-Myanmar border, General Pande stated, “The situation at the Indo-Myanmar border is of concern to us. You are aware of the activities of the Myanmar army, the ethnic armed organization, and the PDF in the past couple of months, which has resulted in some of the Myanmar army personnel walking across about 416 of them to date.” He referenced Myanmar’s internal challenges and their impact on border security, noting the return of Myanmar troops by Indian authorities.
If the current trend continues for a longer period of time, not only oil mills but oilseeds growers will also not be able to get good rates of their produce, says Samir Shah, president of Gujarat State Edible Oils and Oil Seeds Association (GEOA). Shah who is also past president of SOMA says that due to various international factors rates of edible oils had gone up considerably, especially imported oils earlier this year.
“With a view to curb rising prices of edible oil, the Government of India reduced import duty on edible oils. Considering the fact that India is producing hardly 30 percent of its edible oil requirement, the decision was right at that point of time. Now when international prices of edible oils have gone down by 15 percent to 25 percent and high production period has started in edible oil exporting countries, the government should gradually increase import duty to protect local oil mills and oilseeds growers,” said Shah. GEOA has also made representation before Union Minister for Commerce & Consumer Affairs, Piyush Goyal to increase import duty.
In June import duty on edible oils was ranging from 35 to 55 percent, since then the government gradually reduced import duty and at present it is ranging from zero percent to 15 percent on different edible oils, he said.
Just a month back prices of edible oils were through the roof and the government took appropriate measures by reducing import duty in order to protect consumers, says Atul Chaturvedi, president of Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA). “Prices of edible oils are coming down globally. Kharif sowing has already started across the country. In the interest of local farmers, it is high time to enhance import duty in a phased manner to encourage local edible oil value chain,” opined Chaturvedi.
On Thursday imported Palm oil prices were at around Rs 2100 per 15 kg as against local Rs 2700 and Rs 2550 of groundnut and cottonseed oils. Prices of other local oils including ricebran, coconut, soyabean and mustard remained as high as Rs 2350, Rs 2520, Rs 2500 and Rs 2580 respectively.
India imports around 13-13.5 million tonnes of edible oils, of which around 8-8.5 million tonnes (around 63 per cent) are palm oil. Though the price of other imported Sunflower oil remained at around Rs 2700 per 15 kg, but import quantity of the oil is much lower than that of palm oil.