Army Commander reviews security situation in south Kashmir

Srinagar, May 18:  The Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar, along with General Officer Commanding (GOC) 15 Corps, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai paid a visit to Victor Force Headquarters in the Awantipora area of south Kashmir on Saturday and reviewed the security situation.

The visit comes at a crucial time when Kashmir is abuzz with the Lok Sabha elections, heightening the importance of maintaining a robust security apparatus.

“#LtGenMVSuchindraKumar, #ArmyCdrNC accompanied by #ChinarCorps Cdr visited Victor Force to review the prevalent security situation. He was briefed on the Counter Terrorism grid & Operational preparedness. The Army Commander motivated the troops to remain in a high state of operational alacrity to meet all forthcoming challenges and commended them for their high morale and vigil,” the Northern Command-Indian Army posted on X.

Sources in defence establishments said that during the visit, Lt Gen Kumar was extensively briefed on the Counter Terrorism (CT) grid and the operational preparedness of the troops stationed in south Kashmir.

They said that the review covered various aspects of the security situation, including the latest intelligence inputs, strategic counter-terrorism operations, and the overall readiness of the forces to tackle any emerging threats. The sources said that Lt Gen Kumar emphasised the need for sustained vigilance and operational readiness.

“The forthcoming challenges require us to remain in a high state of operational alacrity. Your morale and vigilance are commendable, and we must continue to uphold these high standards," he said.

The Army Commander’s visit is seen as a morale booster for the troops who have been actively engaged in counter-terrorism operations in south Kashmir. His commendation for their high morale and vigilance is a testament to the relentless efforts of the security forces in ensuring the safety and security of the populace.

The timing of the visit is particularly significant given the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, a period traditionally marked by heightened security concerns.

The security forces have been on high alert to ensure that the elections proceed smoothly and that the electorate can exercise their franchise without fear.

Lt Gen Kumar’s review of the security situation is a critical component of the broader strategy to provide a secure environment for the elections.

The focus on the CT grid underscores the importance of pre-emptive measures and rapid response capabilities in countering any potential threats. The visit also highlighted the strategic focus of the Army in adapting to evolving threats.

The briefing included discussions on recent operations, technological advancements in surveillance and reconnaissance, and the integration of intelligence inputs to enhance operational efficiency.

The emphasis on operational preparedness is aimed at ensuring that the troops are well-equipped and mentally prepared to deal with any eventuality.