Army chief reviews security situation in Kashmir

Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, May 24: Army chief, General Bipin Rawat today reviewed security situation in Kashmir and took stock of the security and administrative arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath yatra.
The Army chief accompanied by Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen AK Bhatt visited various units and formation headquarters of the Army in Kashmir valley where local Commanders briefed him about the situation on the ground.
The Gen Rawat was told about the successful operations that were conducted by the troops in Kashmir this year in which 72 militants including their top Commanders were killed. He was told that the troops on the ground are trying their best to minimize the collateral damage caused due to stone pelting during the anti-militancy operations. It may be mentioned here that over a dozen civilians were killed during the operations this year.
The Army chief was told that over 50 youth joined militancy this year but the troops along with the other security agencies are trying to bring back these youth to the mainstream. He was told that the security agencies are trying their best to arrest the trend of youth joining militancy by engaging with the elders in the society.
The Army chief was also briefed about the suspension of the operations by the security forces in the Valley during Ramadan. He was told that the troops are on alert to foil any attempts by the militants to take advantage of the suspension of the operations and carry out strikes.
Gen Rawat later reviewed the preparedness for the upcoming annual Amarnath yatra. He was told that Army is ready for their role during the annual pilgrimage.
Srinagar based Defence spokesman, Colonel Rajesh Kalia said here that the Army chief visited formation headquarters and units where he was briefed by the Commanders on ground as regards the operational preparedness.
“The Army chief was appreciative of the measures and Standard Operating Procedures instituted by the units and formations to meet the challenges posed by the inimical elements. Commending the performance of the troops in the recent successful operations, the Gen Rawat stressed the need to maintain the extra vigil to defeat the evil designs of hostile forces and assured his full support to further strengthen the security posture”, he said.
He said that General Rawat also took stock of the security and administrative arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath yatra which is scheduled to commence from June 27, 2018 and stressed on the need for close coordination with civil administration to ensure a smooth and efficient conduct of the yatra.

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