Srinagar/New Delhi: Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat spent the first day of 2019 with troops in the Kashmir Valley and reviewed the prevailing security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and the hinterland, a spokesman said Tuesday.
The Army chief, accompanied by Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh and Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen A K Bhatt, visited the frontier district of Kupwara in north Kashmir, where he interacted with the troops and was briefed about the recent counter-infiltration operations.
“The Army chief was appreciative of the sharp vigil and alertness along the Line of Control and high morale of the troops, and further exhorted them to remain alert for any eventuality,” the spokesman said.
Later in the day, Gen Rawat interacted with senior police officials and discussed the prevailing internal security situation in the Valley.
The Army chief also appreciated the seamless cooperation and synergy being maintained among all the agencies, the spokesman said.
Earlier in a new year message to Army personnel, he hailed the collective grit, determination and sacrifices of the troops in standing up to the challenges along the borders as well as in combating threats of terrorism.
“We are facing complex and dynamic security challenges along our borders which threaten territorial integrity and internal stability of the nation,” Gen. Rawat said.
He, however, did not mention about the situation along India’s nearly 4,000- km frontier with China or along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our steadfast resolve to ensure territorial integrity has been evident from the collective grit, determination and sacrifice of our troops who have stood their ground under the most challenging, inhospitable and most hostile circumstances,” Gen. Rawat said.
The Indian Army has been firmly dealing with infiltration bids and incidents of “unprovoked firing” by Pakistani Army along the 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.
