India will have whole of Kashmir someday: Western Air Command chief on Budgam landing anniversary

Indian troops had landed in Kashmir on October 27, 1947, a day after the then Maharaja Hari Singh signed the instrument of accession with India following the Pakistani tribal raids.

The AOC-in-C of the Western Air Command said the IAF faces many challenges, but the basic one is of technology.

The rate of change of technology is so fast in the world today that we have to keep pace with that. If any nation which is to grow economically has to have a strong military, we must fulfil our obligation to the nation in the years to come…and we are always ready for the challenge, he said.

The IAF has become a very capable force and in the years to come, “‘we will continue to serve the nation with honour”‘ he added.

Asked about the drone attacks, Air Marshal Dev said they can inflict minimal damage only.

We had equipment against it (drone attacks) ready, and it was deployed here as well. We are now increasing the deployment by further procurement. Drone challenge is a small challenge and we will be able to deal with that challenge as and when it comes, he said.

He said celebrating the 75 years of Budgam landing was a historic occasion.

After the instrument of accession was signed, we moved in our troops quickly and Srinagar airfield was saved and thereafter we launched further offensive and pushed the Pakistani military, which came as Kabalis (tribals), further back.

“I am sure if the UN had not intervened, perhaps, the entire Kashmir would have been ours, he said.

He said the IAF and the Army carried many other small missions including the operations in Poonch after an airstrip was laid there in a short span of seven days, attacks at Srinagar airfield, in Skardu on ammunition dump, and in Leh. PTI