Srinagar: Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava on Saturday assumed command of the strategically important Srinagar-based Chinar Corps.
Lt Gen Srivastava took charge from Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, who will assume command as the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) at the Army headquarters, a defence spokesperson said.
The change comes shortly after the completion of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir held after a gap of 10 years.
Following assumption of command, Lt Gen Srivastava paid his tributes at the Chinar War Memorial in the Badami Bagh Cantonment.
He also conveyed his warm greetings to the citizens of Kashmir, and reaffirmed his commitment towards synergy in thoughts and action with the civil administration, society and the citizens to promote peace and prosperity in the Valley.
The new Chinar Corps commander said that integrated efforts of the civil society and the security forces is the way forward to dismantle the terror infrastructure and nefarious designs of the adversary.
“Successful conduct of various key events, improved security parameters and palpable enthusiasm are a testament of the will of the people towards growth, development and stable security situation in the Valley,” he said.
The senior officer also called upon the civil society to propel Kashmir towards a future defined by peace and development along with the security forces’ efforts.
Lt Gen Srivastava has held numerous prestigious posts and staff appointments during his 34-year illustrious military career, a statement said.
Srivastava, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, has significant combat experience, particularly in areas marked by high levels of insurgency, the spokesperson said.
Before this appointment, Srivastava led the Awantipora-based ‘Victor Force’, a crucial command overseeing counter-insurgency efforts in south Kashmir.
Commissioned into an elite parachute battalion of the Special Forces on June 9, 1990, Srivastava has completed all the essential career courses, including the Defence Services Staff Course in Wellington, the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College in the US.
He also holds a master’s degree in strategic studies and philosophy.
Recognised for his exemplary service, Srivastava was awarded the Sena Medal in 2011. His extensive operational experience is particularly relevant at a time when the Valley is facing rising tensions linked to infiltration from the Jammu region into south Kashmir.
The 16-month period during which Lt Gen Ghai was at the helm witnessed a strong security architecture facilitating peace and stability in the region, the spokesperson said.
His tenure saw the conduct of two incident-free Amarnath Yatras, the Parliamentary elections in May 2024, and the recent three-phase Assembly polls.
The Chinar Corps also achieved numerous successes in counter-infiltration operations along the Line of Control (LoC) and in the Valley, thereby dealing a significant blow to the terror network, the spokesperson said.
The outgoing GOC will be remembered for his humane and friendly approach, he added.
Ghai extended his greetings to the people of Kashmir and wished them the very best for a bright and promising future.
