Army chief General M M Naravane said yesterday that the abrogation of Article 370 of the constitution was a historic step and it will help Jammu and Kashmir integrate with mainstream India.
“Article 370 abrogation has disrupted the proxy war,” the army chief said on the occasion of the Army Day.
“We have zero-tolerance towards terrorism. We have many options to counter those who promote terror, we will not hesitate to use them,” Naravane said.
“We will respond in equal measure.”
New Delhi’s move to strip the region of its autonomy has angered most Kashmiris and sparked protests.
Naravane also conferred medals to soldiers at the Parade ground in Delhi Cantonment area.
During the occasion, a woman officer, Captain Tanya Shergill, who is from the fourth generation army family, led an all-men parade.
The Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year as on this day in 1949 the first Indian general - General K M Cariappa took over as the commander-in-chief of the army.
Earlier in the day, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat, Narawane, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria and Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh paid tribute at the National War Memorial.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended greetings on the occasion of the Army Day.
Kovind said: “On Army Day, greetings to the valiant men and women of the Indian Army, to veterans and to their families. You are our nation’s pride, the sentinels of our liberty. Your immense sacrifice has secured our sovereignty, brought glory to our nation and protected our people.”
Modi hailed the army for its valour and professionalism.
“It is also respected for its humanitarian spirit. Whenever people have needed help, our army has risen to the occasion and done everything possible! Proud of our army,” Modi tweeted.
The defence minister said: “On Army Day today, I salute all valiant Indian army personnel and recall with pride their indomitable spirit, valour and sacrifices in making India a safer place.” 
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar saluted the guardians of borders and wrote: “We are proud of you Indian Army!”
Minister of Railways and Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, while saluting the “valour, courage and fortitude” of all Indian soldiers said: “Let us come together and show our gratitude to the Indian Army for their selfless service to the nation and honour all those who sacrificed their lives for us.”
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh tweeted: “I salute the indomitable spirit & bravery of the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day. I am proud to have been a part of this great institution. Happy to share a picture of my interaction with the troops of 3rd Sikh in Tibri Cantt in 2017.”
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said: “I salute the unparalleled bravery & might of the Indian Army on Indian Army Day today! Our soldiers have always kept our heads high on the battlefields with their valour, indomitable courage and sacrifice.”
Rajasthan Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot tweeted: “On Army Day, I salute the indomitable courage and fortitude of all our soldiers & army personnel. We remain indebted for their selfless service and sacrifices to the nation.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee conveyed her wishes: “On this occasion, I salute our brave soldiers who have dedicated their lives to the service of the nation. Let us also remember the martyrs and give their families the strength to cope with their loss.”
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