New Delhi: Army chief General M M Naravane on Wednesday hailed the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 as a "historic step" and said the move has disrupted plans of the "western neighbour and its proxies". The armed forces have "zero tolerance against terrorism", he said at the 72nd Army Day function in the Cariappa Parade Ground. "We have many options to counter those who promote terrorism and we will not hesitate to use them," he said.

On August 5 last year, the Centre abrogated provisions of Article 370 that gave special powers to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories. The Army chief said, "Abrogation of Article 370 is a historic step. It will prove to be important in integrating J&K in the national mainstream. This decision has disrupted the plans of our western neighbour and its proxies". Gen Naravane said the country had to face some security challenges last year.