COAS reviews situation with top Comdrs
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 22: For the second consecutive day today, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat reviewed security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan after which he declared that troops were fully prepared for emerging security challenges both along the borders as well as the hinterland.
Gen Rawat today visited Akhnoor sector on the LoC in Jammu district, where he held high-level review of security situation with top Army Commanders including Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 16 Corps Lt Gen Paramjit Singh and other Commanders on the ground.
“Situation along the LoC with Pakistan in twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, attempts by Pakistan and militant commanders from PoK and South Kashmir to revive militancy and upcoming annual pilgrimage of Shri Amarnath Ji shrine from July 1, were major issues of concern for the Army and came up for review during the meeting of top Army Commanders,” sources told the Excelsior.
Yesterday, the Chief of Army Staff had visited Rajouri sector on the LoC and reviewed situation there with the Army Commanders.
Army is being deployed to man heights of Shri Amarnath Ji cave shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas besides some other vulnerable places including parts of National Highways. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has deputed nearly 450 additional companies of para-military forces for the yatra security in Jammu and Kashmir. The annual pilgrimage will start on July 1 and last 46 days concluding on August 15 coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
After review of security situation with Army Commanders, Gen Rawat declared that he was fully satisfied with operational preparedness of troops to meet all security challenges.
The Chief of Army Staff also reviewed preparations of the troops to respond to ceasefire violations, Counter-Infiltration Grid and response to deal with provocations by enemy on the Line of Control and International Border.
The Army chief was briefed and updated by Lt Gen Paramjit Singh, GOC White Knight Corps, headquartered at Nagrota and Commanders on the ground on infusion of technology with operational techniques and integration of force multipliers, which has increased capabilities manifold.
Gen Rawat had word of appreciation for the people living along the Line of Control and International Border for providing all support to the troops deployed there and maintaining vigil in their areas.
The border dwellers, who were described as “strategic assets” by former Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, presently the Defence Minister, have been facing brunt of Pakistan army’s shelling and firing both on the Line of Control as well as the International Border.
Though the International Border has been calm at present, the LoC quite often is activated by the Pakistani troops with mortar shelling and firing. Few days back, three civilians and a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan were injured in Pakistan firing in Poonch. In retaliatory action by the Indian Army, Pakistani troops have been suffering heavy casualties and damages.
The Chief of Army Staff also interacted with the soldiers on the LoC and commended them for selfless devotion and high standard of professionalism.
He appreciated the synergy between Jammu and Kashmir Police, civil administration, Border Security Force and the Army. He also lauded the motivation and high morale of the White Knight Corps.
The Army chief awarded on the spot commendation cards to five soldiers for their gallant action while facing the enemy.
During his visit to Rajouri sector yesterday, Gen Bipin Rawat had reviewed various aspects of security situation in the hinterland as well as the borders with Pakistan.
“Apart from annual pilgrimage of Shri Amarnath Ji shrine and situation on the borders, Army was also concerned about attempts being made by Pakistan and militant commanders, sitting in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as well as South Kashmir to revive militancy in Jammu region,” sources said.
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