Outgoing GOC completes 19-month tenure with key security gains
New commander brings vast J&K, Northeast experience
Army reiterates focus on peace, stability in Kashmir
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava on Friday handed over command of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps after a 19-month tenure, with Lieutenant General Balbir Singh assuming charge as the new General Officer Commanding (GOC).
During his tenure, Lt Gen Srivastava oversaw significant strengthening of the security framework in Kashmir, with a focus on coordinated and responsive operations.
The period saw key counter-terrorism and counter-infiltration successes, including operations such as Op Sindoor and Op Mahadev, which targeted perpetrators of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
The Army said the tenure was also marked by the smooth and incident-free conduct of the Amarnath Yatra 2025, alongside sustained efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the Valley.
Security forces intensified operations along the Line of Control and in the hinterland, dealing a major blow to militant networks.
Officials also highlighted Lt Gen Srivastava’s outreach initiatives aimed at building trust with local communities, which contributed to improved civil-military relations in the region.
He will now take over as Quarter Master General at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) in New Delhi.
Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, a senior officer with over 34 years of service, has taken charge of the Corps. On assuming command, he paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the Chinar War Memorial in Srinagar.
Lt Gen Singh has previously commanded the Counter Insurgency Force (Victor) in South Kashmir and has extensive operational experience in counter-insurgency and counter-infiltration operations in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the North East.
In his address, the new Corps Commander emphasised close coordination with the civil administration and the people of Kashmir to further strengthen peace and stability. He also called for collective efforts to address ongoing challenges in the region.
The Army said the Chinar Corps remains committed to ensuring security, fostering stability, and supporting developmental aspirations in Jammu and Kashmir.
