Northern Army commander reviews security situation in Doda-Ramban-Kishtwar region

The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, on Wednesday reviewed the security environment and ongoing counter-terrorist operations in the Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar districts of the Jammu region.

A gunfight had taken place between security forces and terrorists on July 20 in the Hadal Gal forest area of Kishtwar. However, the militants managed to flee, prompting security forces to lay a cordon in the surrounding forest areas.

Accompanied by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps, Lieutenant General PK Mishra, the Army Commander visited the Delta Force headquarters in Batote and was briefed on ‘Operation Shiva’, which focuses on ensuring the safety and security of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a post on X, the Northern Command stated, “Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Army Commander of Northern Command, reviewed the security milieu and ongoing counter-terrorist operations in the Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar regions conducted by the formation. He also received an update on Operation Shiva in the region. The Army Commander emphasised to maintain the proactive posture steeped in cutting-edge technology. He complimented all ranks for their commitment to sustained counter-terrorism efforts and regional security.”

Meanwhile, ahead of the upcoming Budha Amarnath Yatra, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat undertook a two-day visit to Poonch to review and assess the on-ground security arrangements for the smooth and safe conduct of the Yatra.

He was accompanied by Special DGP (Coordination) J&K, SJM Gillani, IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, and DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range Tejinder Singh. The delegation was received by Poonch SSP Shafket Hussain, along with officers from the district police, CRPF, Army and civil administration.

During the visit, officials provided a comprehensive briefing on the overall security plan, which includes multi-tier deployment, area domination strategies, mapping of sensitive locations, vulnerability assessments, traffic regulation, convoy coordination, communication, surveillance mechanisms and pilgrim facilities at base camps and halting stations.

“The DGP and other senior officers inspected critical points along the yatra route and around the shrine, taking note of access control, crowd management protocols and emergency response systems. He interacted with officials and jawans deployed in the field, urging them to maintain the highest levels of vigilance, professionalism and a people-friendly approach throughout the yatra period,” an official spokesperson said.

The DGP also met with members of the local shrine board, civil society and volunteers, acknowledging their role in promoting communal harmony and public cooperation—elements he termed essential to the success of large-scale religious events.

Special attention was paid to medical, logistical and disaster management preparedness, including the availability of ambulances, mobile health units and emergency response teams.