CDS visits forward posts in Rajouri, calls for operational preparedness

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan visits forward posts in Rajouri sector.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan visits forward posts in Rajouri sector.

Indo-Pak troops exchange sweets on Diwali

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 25: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan yesterday visited forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan in Rajouri sector and asked the soldiers deployed in the region to maintain operational preparedness of the “highest order”.
This was first visit of Gen Chauhan to Jammu and Kashmir after being appointed as the CDS.
Gen Chauhan also celebrated Diwali with the troops.
The Field Commanders in the Rajouri sector briefed the CDS on the security situation along the LoC, the Army said in a statement.
Gen Chauhan also reviewed the development of defence infrastructure and operational preparedness undertaken despite challenging terrain and weather conditions in the region.
“The Chief of Defence Staff, while addressing the troops, exhorted them to inculcate professionalism and carry forward the rich tradition of courage and valour of the Indian Army,” it said.
“He also emphasised the need for operational preparedness of the highest order. The visit by the CDS on the occasion of Diwali acted as a great morale booster for troops deployed on the frontlines in challenging conditions,” the Army said.
Meanwhile, the Indo-Pak troops exchanged sweets along the LoC as well as International Border on the occasion of Diwali festival yesterday.
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistani Rangers exchanged sweets at various Border Outposts (BOPs) on Jammu frontiers yesterday.
“The BSF offered sweets to Pakistani Rangers at several posts along the International Border and the latter reciprocated,” a BSF handout said.
It said the exchange of sweets was done all along the BOPs in Samba, Kathua, RS Pura and Akhnoor.
“The BSF has always been on the forefront in creating peaceful and congenial atmosphere on the border while dominating the borders effectively,” the BSF spokesman said.
He added that such gestures help build a peaceful atmosphere and cordial relationships on the border between both border guarding forces.
Exchange of sweets also took place at some posts along the Line of Control (LoC) between Armies of India and Pakistan in twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.