Army chief arrives on 2-day visit to Kashmir, celebrates New Year with troops

Srinagar: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat arrived in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday on a two-day visit to the State. He interacted with the troops and review the prevailing security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and hinterland.
Defence Ministry spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia said accompanied by the Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh and the Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen AK Bhatt, the Army Chief visited the frontier district of Kupwara, where he interacted with the troops and was briefed about the recent counter infiltration operations.
Later in the day, he said the Army Chief interacted with senior Police officials and discussed the prevailing internal security situation in the Valley.
Meanwhile reports quoted army Chief as saying that the army has been firmly dealing with infiltration bids and incidents of unprovoked firing by Pakistani Army along the Line of Control (LoC) in J and K.The Army has also improved its vigilance in several key sectors along the border with China following last year’s Doklam episode.”All ranks have displayed highest degree of sincerity and commitment while guarding our frontiers, combating terrorism and insurgency,” the Army Chief said.
He also appealed to the 12-lakh strong Army personnel to work with added zeal in dealing with security challenges facing the country.”We need to continue to work with added zeal while upholding our core values of integrity, loyalty, duty, respect selfless service, courage and honour to fulfil our constitutional obligations and assigned roles,” he said.
Gen. Rawat described his force as one of the most disciplined and professional armies in the world, adding that it must preserve that pride with dignity and honour.”I am sanguine that the rank and file of the Indian Army will continue to discharge their responsibilities in the best traditions of our organisation,” he said.
Gen. Rawat also mentioned about the “stellar role” the Army played during the devastating floods in Kerala as well as the way it has discharged its duties in the UN missions. “I salute all those personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty for the nation in the past year. I wish speedy recovery to all others who are recovering from injuries in the line of duty,” the Army Chief said.