Amid a spate of civilian killings in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Saturday said that China and Pakistan are indulging in a proxy war against India to disrupt peace in the Valley.

“Security forces remain alert and carry out effective measures to ensure that these kinds of activities are not allowed to happen anymore and we are able to develop and build confidence among the people. Whenever the situation is fine and there is peace, they will create a situation like fear mongering among the people,” General Bipin Rawat during a press conference held in Guwahati, Assam.

General Rawat noted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir would instil confidence in the people that the security forces in the state will not allow the perpetrators to roam free, and will bring the situation under control. The intelligence network has also been strengthened in the Valley.

“There should be no reason to fear and I think you should not allow exodus to happen from the valley at all,” the CDS said.

Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism as well as by non-state actors is a stumbling block in the peace process between New Delhi and Islamabad, he stated.

"China's partnership with Pakistan and its stand on Jammu and Kashmir can be best described as an anti-India nexus," he added.

COUNTERING CHINA AT HOME AND ABROAD

General Bipin Rawat also emphasised the need to counter Beijing’s growing influence over neighbouring countries, which can only be achieved by reaching out to them ourselves.

“China has a habit of using money power and economics to gain popularity in the countries. We have to move with the Prime Minister’s SAGAR mission (Security and Growth for all in the Region). We have to make sure and tell our neighbours that we are here as permanent friend, we are here with equal terms, we have to consider all the neighbours as equal partners in development of the region,” General Bipin Rawat said.

On the situation at the LAC and the tension with China, he said India is standing strong at the border and is armed and ready for any provocation.

“We have adequate and effective weapons system. The government has allowed us to buy whatever we need for defence of our country by invoking emergency pass, which lets the service procure anything at our level,” General Bipin Rawat said.

Cautioning about the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, the Chief of Defence Staff said there would be a likely spill over of terrorism into Jammu and Kashmir, which the armed forces have to guard against and keep in check through increased monitoring.