Lt Gen Srivastava takes command of 15 Corps

Srinagar, Oct 5: Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava on Saturday assumed command of the strategically vital Srinagar-based 15 Corps, which is responsible for defending the border with PoK and combating insurgency in Kashmir.

Lt Gen Srivastava succeeded Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai who has been appointed as Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) at the Army Headquarters.

The transition comes at a significant time, following the completion of the long-awaited J&K assembly polls, which were held after a decade-long gap.

This shift in leadership marks an important chapter in both military and civil affairs in Kashmir, which has experienced political transitions and renewed efforts to stabilise security.

After taking charge, Lt Gen Srivastava paid homage at the Chinar War Memorial in the Badami Bagh Cantonment, paying respect to soldiers who were killed in the line of duty.

In his first message as the new 15 Corps Commander, he extended warm greetings to the people of Kashmir and reaffirmed his dedication to working closely with the civil administration and the people to foster peace and prosperity.

Lt Gen Srivastava emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts between civil society and security forces to dismantle insurgency infrastructure and counter adversarial threats.

“The success of key events, improved security, and the people’s enthusiasm for growth and development are clear indicators of a positive security environment in Kashmir,” he said.

Lt Gen Srivastava also called on civil society to collaborate with security forces to guide Kashmir toward a future characterised by stability, peace, and economic growth.

A highly decorated officer with over 34 years of distinguished military service, Lt Gen Srivastava has held several prestigious positions.

He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned into the elite Special Forces on June 9, 1990. During his distinguished career, he has served in multiple combat and counter-insurgency operations, gaining extensive experience in volatile areas.

Before assuming his new role, he commanded the Awantipora-based ‘Victor Force,’ a crucial unit overseeing counter-insurgency operations in south Kashmir, one of the most volatile areas in Kashmir.

Lt Gen Srivastava’s academic credentials are equally notable.

He completed key military training courses, including the Defence Services Staff Course in Wellington, the Higher Command Course, and the National Defence College in the United States.

He holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies and Philosophy, and his strategic insights have been sharpened through his broad operational experience.

Recognised for his exceptional service, he was awarded the Sena Medal in 2011.

The new commander’s operational expertise is expected to be invaluable as Kashmir faces renewed challenges from infiltration attempts along the Line of Control (LoC), particularly in southern Kashmir. His leadership comes at a critical juncture as Kashmir continues to grapple with cross-border terrorism and local insurgency.

Meanwhile, Srivastava’s predecessor Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai is credited with fortifying the security architecture in Kashmir during his 16-month tenure.

His leadership saw the smooth conduct of two consecutive incident-free Amarnath Yatras and the 2024 parliamentary and J&K assembly polls, which were conducted without major security incidents.

Under his command, the 15 Corps achieved multiple successes in counter-infiltration operations along the LoC, dealing a substantial blow to insurgency networks active in the Valley.

In his farewell, Lt Gen Ghai extended his best wishes to the people of Kashmir, expressing hope for a bright and promising future for Kashmir.