Army chief Dalbir Singh reaches Handwara, Kupwara, reviews security

Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh on Tuesday visited Jammu and Kashmir to review the security situation in the state against the backdrop of civilian killings in Handwara and Kupwara in security forces' firing.

"General Dalbir Singh, the chief of army staff, accompanied by Northern Army Commander Lt Gen DS Hooda, visited the Srinagar based Chinar Corps. The army chief was briefed by Corps Commander Lt Gen Satish Dua, on the overall security situation and the preparedness of Chinar Corps in dealing with emerging challenges," a defence spokesman said.

The army chief's visit comes a week after protests against alleged molestation of a girl by a soldier in Handwara and subsequent firing by security forces that left three persons dead.

Singh was briefed about the incidents in Handwara which witnessed violent protests in the past few days, the spokesman said.

The army chief also visited Kupwara where he was briefed about the situation along the Line of Control and the hinterland.

The army chief expressed satisfaction at the operational preparedness of the units deployed along the Line of Control and hinterland, the spokesman said.

He said Gen Singh impressed upon all to ensure security in the area.

Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in Handwara town and some adjoining areas following violent protests over the alleged molestation of a girl last Tuesday.

Three persons, including a woman, were killed in firing by security forces on protesters on Tuesday while two more persons were killed in separate security forces' action against protesters on Wednesday at Drugmulla and on Friday at Nathnusa.