Army Chief reviews security

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 1

Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat reviewed the overall security situation in Kashmir and took a brief on the operational preparedness along the Line of Control (LoC) on his two-day visit to Kashmir.

Accompanied by Northern Army Commander Lt Gen D Anbu and 15 Corps Commander Lt Gen JS Sandhu, the Army Chief today visited the LoC formations in north Kashmir where he was briefed on the operational and logistical preparedness. Commending the alertness of all troops deployed along the LoC in foiling the nefarious designs of inimical forces, he stressed upon the need to continue endeavours in maintaining a high degree of vigil.

The Army Chief arrived here yesterday and was briefed by Lt Gen JS Sandhu on security along with the measures to meet the challenges posed by weather in the recent avalanches in the higher reaches of north Kashmir, an Army spokesman said. At least 20 soldiers, including an officer and a JCO, lost their lives in these incidents. Paying tribute to the martyrs, Gen Rawat laid emphasis on the need to be constantly aware of the weather patterns prevailing in the area and take all necessary precautions to avoid any untoward incidents.

The General also visited the Victor Force Headquarters at Awantipur today, where he was apprised of the latest situation in south Kashmir. He appreciated the professionalism with which the troops had been operating in full synergy with other security and civil agencies to keep the situation under control and impressed upon everyone to uphold human rights at all times.

The Army Chief was also briefed upon the numerous initiatives undertaken by the Army across Kashmir to constructively engage with the ‘Awaam’ towards their well being. Lauding such humanitarian steps, Gen Rawat reinforced the need to synergise efforts with all the other stakeholders.