Army chief arriving in Jammu today

Srinagar, Dec 24: In the wake of the recent terrorist attack and subsequent civilian killings in the Poonch district of Pir Panjal range, General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Indian Army, is scheduled to visit Jammu to assess the prevailing situation and strategise on enhancing the counter-terrorism measures in the area.

Defense sources said that the visit, slated for Monday, comes in response to the loss of four soldiers in a terrorist attack on a convoy near Thanandi in the Rajouri sector.

During his visit, General Pande is expected to engage in discussions regarding the recent and ongoing counter-terrorism operations, as well as deliberate on the casualties incurred in the recent attacks.

The 16 Corps, responsible for the Poonch-Rajouri sectors, is undergoing a routine change in command, with Lt Gen Sandeep Jain handing over the reins to Lt Gen Naveen Sachdev.

Sources said that the Army Headquarters is closely monitoring the situation and operations in the area. Notably, the Army is contemplating strategic appointments, considering the officers’ experience in
handling situations where multiple attacks on troops have occurred in the sector.

In light of the heightened security concerns, the Army is reinforcing its preparedness along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB).

This proactive stance aims to counter the infiltration attempts by terrorists from across the border.

Additionally, high-level defense ministry functionaries are expected to visit this week, seeking comprehensive briefings on the ground situation and the measures taken to address the increased activities by Pakistani terrorists in the area.