Army trying hard to protect borders, says outgoing GOC 15 Corps

Srinagar Oct 03: The outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai on Thursday said that the Indian Army tried hard to protect borders while maintaining a 'proper connect with the people of Kashmir.'

Addressing a press conference at 15 corps headquarters, Ghai said that Kashmir has seen numerous significant events taking place here and a lot of development coming to the region.

"Significant efforts are being made by 15 Corps, J&K police and other security agencies. There has been no active terror recruitment in the region while number of active terrorists has also reduced and has become almost negligible," Rajiv Ghai said.

He said it was a challenge is to maintain the situation while some more years are required like the current year and 2023 for enduring peace.

"There are around 80 active terrorists in Kashmir. The figure has gone down. Their number will be further down by mid next year," he said

Rajiv Ghai said that the army has started various schemes for the welfare of people.
"We prepare students for various examinations like NEET and other competative exams," he said.

He said the Indian Army is also addressing the challenge of drugs in Kashmir as well.

"We have also taken various initiatives in Sports activities as several youth from Valley have brought laurels to the country. We are also promoting culture," he said .

He said the Indian Army was aware of its responsibilities for nation building.

"We foiled infiltration attempts by terrorists from across the border.This summer there were less attempts of infiltration," he said.

He further stated that successful infiltration attempts were not mostly made in Kashmir but at other places.

Referring to the frequent attacks in Pir Pranjal range, Rajiv Ghai said that there were chances that the terrorists may attempt to take shelter in Kashmir. "Terrorists keep moving as they cannot survive at one place," he said.

He further stated that the ceasefire announced in February 2021 was intact and was being followed from both sides.