Army Chief visits forward areas in Poonch, felicitates veteran

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday visited forward areas in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, where he reviewed the operational preparedness of troops and interacted with personnel at forward locations.

Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, PRO and Defence spokesperson, said General Dwivedi commended the troops for their high morale and operational readiness.

During the visit, the Army Chief also stopped at Kamsar village in Poonch, where he met Subedar (Honorary Captain) Parvez Ahmed (Retired) of 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. The two had served together on several occasions, including during the period when General Dwivedi commanded the battalion between 2002 and 2005.

Subedar Parvez Ahmed joined the Indian Army in March 1991 and retired in March 2019 after 25 years of service. During his career, he served extensively in operational and instructional roles, including tenures as an instructor at training establishments. He also completed several specialised courses and received awards for his service.

Following retirement, he remained actively engaged with the local community. During Operation Sindoor, he supported deployed troops by assisting with logistics and local coordination, drawing on his familiarity with the area and long association with the unit. His efforts, carried out at personal risk during periods of heightened tension, earned recognition from the Army.

In recognition of his continued contribution to society and support during Operation Sindoor, the Army Chief felicitated him with the Veteran Achiever Award during the visit. Family members, ex-servicemen and local residents were present on the occasion.

Several other veterans and civilians, including women and children, also met the Army Chief. The interactions were informal, reflecting the close bond between serving personnel, veterans and civilians in the border districts of Jammu and Kashmir.