Northern Army chief reviews security situation in J-K

Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra, GOC-in-C, Northern Command visited army units and formations in the valley and reviewed the operational preparedness along the Line of Control and security situation in the hinterland. 

“Primary focus of the visit along the LoC was in the forward areas of Gurez, Machil, Tangdhar and Gulmarg wherein the general officer interacted with the troops and complimented them for their dedication, outstanding vigilance, high state of preparedness and the grit and determination with which they are braving all the odds of terrain and weather in service to the Nation,” a defence statement issued on Tuesday evening said.

“The army commander also visited the sector headquarters of Rashtriya Rifles located in the hinterland and praised them for exercising a very high degree of control over the internal security situation, upholding the highest ethos of army and respecting the human rights.” 

The visit comes in the backdrop of continued ceasefire violations along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan army.

The violations began on August 9 when five Indian soldiers were killed on the LoC in Poonch district by Pakistan army.

There have been several ceasefire violations since then with both armies exchanging heavy fire and blaming each other for the breach of the bilateral ceasefire agreement reached in November 2003.

It had been by and large holding with few intermittent violations.

The ceasefire violations have triggered panic among the border residents.

The statement said, “Army commander was pleased with the counter infiltration and Joint Intelligence Grid which resulted in a series of successful counter infiltration and counter terrorist operations during which 28 terrorists were killed.” He was accompanied by Lt Gen Gurmit Singh, Chinar corps commander during his visit.

He particularly commended the high level of synergy between the security forces, the intelligence agencies and the Jammu and Kashmir police, the statement added.