Army chief on 2-day visit to Kashmir

SRINAGAR,
Army Chief General Manoj Pande is on a two-day visit to Kashmir valley where he will be given an update on the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness.
Army Chief General Manoj Pande on Saturday arrived in Srinagar on a two day visit to Kashmir Valley and reviewed the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and hinterland, officials said.

This is Gen Pande’s first visit to Kashmir after taking over as Chief of Army Staff . The visit comes at a time when J&K’s security grid is preparing for the annual Amarnath Yatra that is taking place in person after two years.

On arrival, the Army Chief, accompanied by Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Northern Army Commander and Lt Gen ADS Aujla, Chinar Corps Commander proceeded to undertake a first-hand assessment of the situation along the formations along the LoC in North Kashmir.
“The COAS was briefed on the security situation and measures to face both the adversary and the inclement weather conditions,” Army said.
“ The Formation Commanders also briefed the COAS on the existing ceasefire agreement on the LoC, development works on field fortifications, counter infiltration grid, operational preparedness and Army-citizen connect in border areas,” it added.

The Army Chief, while interacting with Formation Commanders, laid special emphasis on being vigilant and maintaining the sanctity of the LoC .
During his interaction with the troops, the COAS complimented them for their high morale, professional excellence and high spirits despite the challenges, the Army said.
On his arrival at Chinar Corps headquarters, the COAS was briefed by Lt Gen Aujla, on the overall security situation prevalent on LoC and hinterland.
The COAS highlighted that it was the dawn of a new era of development, peace and prosperity in Kashmir and applauded Chinar Corps for their high level of morale and contribution to peace building in J&K.
The Army Chief complimented the excellent synergy exhibited by all sections of the Civil administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces and other security agencies in projecting a ‘whole of government’ approach that has resulted in improvement in the security situation conducive for fostering a new era of development in the UT.