Srinagar: Army Chief General M M Naravane arrived on a two-day visit to Kashmir on Wednesday to review the prevailing security situation in Jammu and Kashmir as the ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) completed 100 days.
On his arrival at Srinagar, the Army Chief, accompanied by Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen Y K Joshi and Chinar Corps Commander, Lt Gen D P Pandey, visited units and formations in the hinterland where he was briefed by the local commanders on the existing security situation, an Army official said.
He said Gen Naravane was also briefed about the measures being taken to identify and target the overground workers (OGWs) network involved in recruitment of youth into militant ranks. Efforts to prevent local recruitment and facilitate the surrender of local militants were also discussed, the official said.
The arrival of the Army Chief in Kashmir assumes significance as it comes on a day when the fresh ceasefire between India and Pakistan along the LoC completed 100 days. India and Pakistan had on February 25 this year released a joint statement announcing a ceasefire along the Line of Control, following talks between their Directors General of Military Operations.
Gen Naravane, while interacting with troops complimented them for relentlessly battling the dual challenges of militancy and the Covid pandemic. He reinforced the need to be prepared to meet emerging security challenges effectively.
Later, the COAS was briefed by the Chinar Corps Commander on the overall situation pertaining to the LoC and the hinterland, the official said
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 government forces 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 Jammu & Kashmir, he said.
Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Joshi had on Tuesday said ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan is being followed in letter and spirit by both sides, but asserted that the Indian Army is not letting its guard down even for one bit along the border in Jammu and Kashmir.
