Army chief arrives in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 12: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi arrived in Srinagar on Thursday to review the security arrangements in J&K ahead of the highly anticipated assembly elections.

His visit comes at a critical time as J&K prepares for its first assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which had previously granted special status to J&K.

During his visit, General Dwivedi would be briefed by top Army officials about the prevailing security scenario in J&K.

“The Army chief will be updated on the prevailing security situation, the preparedness of the security forces, and ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir,” sources in the Defence establishment said.

They said that senior formation Commanders stationed in Kashmir were likely to apprise the COAS about assessments of the threats posed by terror groups and the measures taken to maintain peace during the election process.

In the run-up to the assembly polls, security has been tightened up across J&K.

Counter-infiltration grid patrols along the Line of Control (LoC) have been intensified.

Sources said that the key focus of the Army chief’s visit would be improving coordination between the various security agencies operating in J&K.

The Army, Police, and paramilitary forces have been working closely under the Unified Headquarters mechanism to ensure seamless communication and coordination between security agencies in handling terrorism and maintaining law and order in J&K.

“The upcoming assembly polls present a unique challenge. Ensuring the safety of the electoral process while allowing maximum voter participation is a delicate balance, and the Indian Army is committed to assisting in every possible way,” a senior defence official said.

The Army chief’s visit is expected to bolster the morale of the troops on the ground and reaffirm the commitment of the security establishment to ensuring peace during the polls.

His interactions with the commanders on the ground will also give him firsthand insight into the operational challenges they face.