Northern Army Commander visits Kashmir, reviews security situation
Srinagar, May 14: The newly-appointed General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, arrived in Kashmir on Wednesday evening for his maiden visit since assuming charge.
The visit comes in the backdrop of heightened security challenges following Operation Sindoor, which saw intensified cross-border firings and drone intrusions along the Line of Control (LoC) and in hinterland areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Upon arrival, Lt Gen Sharma was received at the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps Headquarters, where he was given a detailed briefing on the prevailing security situation along the LoC and in Kashmirs hinterland by GOC 15 Corps, Lt General Prashant Srivastava.
Senior Army officials were present during the briefing.
Sources said the Northern Army Commander was updated on recent counter-terror operations, infiltration attempts, and the emerging threats posed by terror outfits.
Special emphasis was laid on coordination mechanisms in place between the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, BSF, and intelligence agencies.
Lt Gen Sharma lauded the operational preparedness of the troops and praised the synergy among various security forces. ìThe collaborative approach has significantly dented the operational capabilities of terror groups and contributed to maintaining peace and stability in Kashmir, he was quoted as saying by defence sources.
During his visit, the Army Commander also interacted with some field commanders and troops.
He appreciated their high morale and professionalism while operating in challenging terrains and weather conditions. He encouraged continued vigilance and proactiveness in thwarting the adversarys designs, particularly ahead of the upcoming summer months when infiltration attempts typically increase.
This visit holds significance as it follows Operation Sindoor, a coordinated multi-agency response that was launched in the wake of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 persons, mostly tourists, dead.
With the security grid on high alert and the LoC remaining volatile, the Northern Army Commanderís visit comes at a crucial time, reinforcing the strategic readiness of the Northern Command in safeguarding the nationís frontiers.
