Srinagar, 19 March 2019. During the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhawan on March19, Ram Nath Kovind, President of India conferred prestigious UYSM (Uttam Yudh Seva Medal) on previous GOC 15 Corps Lieutenant General Anil Kumar Bhatt. In this ceremony, two gallant soldiers were awarded Kirti Chakra (Posthumously) and fifteen personnel were conferred Shaurya Chakra.
A defense spokesman in a statement said that Lt Gen Bhatt’s tenure witnessed a record number of terrorists getting neutralized (254 killed, 60 apprehend and 04 surrendered) in the valley since 2008. The period also include a ceasefire of one month, a prolonged incident free Amarnath Yatra and peaceful Urban Local Bodies and Panchayat elections, during which security forces remained focused towards maintaining peace.
Along with kinetic operations, the non-kinetic aspects of engagement with civil populace, especially the youth were given requisite impetus with initiation of positive narratives. The successes in the hinterland and at Line Of Control were achieved with least Army Casualties in the operations. Lt Gen Bhatt inspired youth to serve the Indian Army in the valley.
