Defence Minister visits Jammu, Rajouri; reviews security, operational aspects

Jammu/Rajouri, Dec 27: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday wrapped up his much-anticipated day-long visit to Jammu and Rajouri to take stock of security situation along the Line of Control (LoC), in the aftermath of Poonch terror attack, with a “three-pronged strategy” for all ranks.

“With zero tolerance to terror, remain extra vigilant; undertake operations based on hard intelligence, aided by niche technology and stick to professional conduct and due diligence during operations,” was the key strategy for all ranks to prevent the recurrence of unfortunate incidents like Poonch terror attack and uneasy developments unfolded thereafter.

For the Commanders, the Defence Minister had a special word of caution i.e., to show no leniency towards violations of the well-established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Significance of his visit was that it not only aimed at “boosting the morale of troops on the ground” following recent reverses but also to soothe the frayed nerves and assuage the hurt sentiments of civilians, following the death of three locals. At the same time, loopholes in the security grid were to be reviewed and plugged and he did all that very immaculately; in his trademark - suave manner.

Later in the evening, he had an equally significant meeting at Raj Bhawan. Emphasis remained the same and it found expression in resolute commitment to wipe out terrorism from J&K completely while plugging all loopholes in the security grid.

After leaving Jammu for the union capital, the Defence Minister, himself, summed up his visit with a post on ‘X.’

“Visited Jammu and Rajouri today. Reviewed the security situation along the LoC and interacted with the troops. The government stands firmly with the Armed Forces and the nation will forever be indebted to the unparalleled valour and sacrifice of the soldiers. The Indian Army is not an ordinary army. The soldiers are our protectors. It is their duty to not only safeguard national interests, but also to win the hearts of the people. And they have always been doing this,” Rajnath wrote on ‘X.’

Earlier he reached here in Jammu this morning. He was received at the Technical airport Jammu by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Northern Command Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi.  The Defence Minister was accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande.

Later, Rajnath, accompanied by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flew to Rajouri, for a first-hand assessment of the prevailing situation as well as the counter-terror operations in the area.

They were accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi.

The Defence Minister, after reaching Rajouri, drove to Ace of Spades Infantry Division located in Rajouri town.

As per an official spokesperson, he was given a detailed brief on the prevalent security situation, counter-infiltration grid and operational preparedness. The aspects associated with the operating challenges were discussed by Rajnath Singh with the Commanders on ground.

“He described the recent incidents in the sector as unfortunate and asked all ranks to undertake operations based on hard intelligence, in accordance with established procedures aided by niche technology. He urged all Commanders to have zero tolerance for violations of the well-established SOPs,” the spokesperson said.

“He called for professional conduct and due diligence while carrying out operations. He expressed satisfaction for the high level of synergy between the security forces, civil administration, J&K Police, Central Armed Police Forces and other security agencies in projecting a clear message of resoluteness towards improving of the security environment, that is conducive to fostering a new era of development in the Union Territory (UT),” the spokesperson said.

The Defence Minister left for New Delhi at around 5.50 pm.

Preceding his visit, the Chief of Army Staff had visited Rajouri-Poonch sector on December 25, 2023 and exhorted all ranks of the Indian Army to conduct operations in the most professional manner while remaining resolute and steadfast against all challenges. He had also underscored the commitment of the Indian Army to respecting human rights and zero tolerance for violations in any form.

BY Shuchismita and Sumit Bhargav