Rajouri/Jammu: Army troops are on high alert in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri and Poonch districts and are fully prepared to deliver a befitting response to any hostile act by the enemy, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Ace of Spades Division, Maj Gen Kaushik Mukherji said on Monday.
Addressing a well-attended gathering at the ‘Rajouri Day’ event in the border district, he lauded the role of the local populace and said they will continue to work together in coordination to foil the nefarious designs of the enemy.
‘Rajouri Day’ is being celebrated on April 13 every year to commemorate the bravery and valour of the soldiers who laid down their lives for the liberation of Rajouri district from Pakistan Army personnel who had infiltrated from across the border in 1947-48.
“Going forward as well, the people of Pir Panjal, the administration, and the security forces will continue to work together in coordination and will always foil the nefarious designs of the enemy. I assure you that our army is fully alert at the borders and is ready to give a befitting response to every hostile act of the enemy,” the officer said.
Maj Gen Mukherji said when the Army protects the borders, the local population stands shoulder to shoulder with the forces, strengthening internal security.
“This trust, partnership, and sense of patriotism constitute the greatest strengths of our region,” he said.
He paid heartfelt tributes to those who lost their lives during Operation Sindoor, including Additional District Development Commissioner, Rajouri Raj Kumar Thapa, Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, Havaldar Sunil Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar and Agniveer Mund Murli Nayak – all awarded Sena Medal, posthumously in May last year.
The army officer also shared information about a number of new initiatives being taken by the Army in Rajouri and the nearby Poonch district for the welfare of the local population.
To address pollution caused by plastic waste, the GOC said the Army, in coordination with the civil administration, is set to install a plant that will convert waste plastic into interlocking tiles. These tiles will be used for constructing tracks in forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC).
He said the initiative would not only help curb plastic pollution but also generate employment for local residents, while aiding Army troops along the LoC by improving mobility in forward areas.
The Army officer also spoke about the ‘Digital Bharat Darshan’ initiative, stating that under the programme, the Army will facilitate students of government schools to virtually visit a major city every month from within their classrooms.
He said the initiative aims to expose students to the development taking place across the country and help connect those from border areas with mainstream cities.
He said that the ‘Digital Bharat Darshan’ is an upgraded version of the earlier Bharat Darshan tours, where only a limited number of students could travel, but now every student will be able to benefit through a digital platform.
Top Army officer reviews anti-infiltration grid along LoC in Jammu
General Officer Commanding of Army’s White Knight Corps Lt Gen P K Mishra on Monday visited Akhnoor sector near Jammu to assess the operational preparedness of the troops guarding the Line of Control (LoC) with a key focus on counter-infiltration measures.
Lt Gen Mishra was accompanied by GOC Crossed Swords Division, also known as 10th Infantry division which is a vital formation responsible for securing the LoC in the Akhnoor sector.
“GOC White Knight Corps alongwith GoC Crossed Swords Division visited the general area of Akhnoor to review the operational preparedness and prevailing security grid. The visit focused on assessment of counter-infiltration measures, integration of new generation equipment and overall operational synergy,” the Army said in a post on X.
It said Lt Gen Mishra commended the formation for induction and integration of niche technologies and exhorted all ranks to sustain a robust, agile and responsive counter-infiltration posture.
Search operation launched after possible terrorist movement in Kathua
Security forces on Monday launched a search operation in several border areas of Rajbagh and Ramkote in Kathua district following information about suspicious movement of suspected terrorists, officials said.
The suspicious movement of two-armed persons, also carrying heavy backpacks, was reported from Soffain village towards Ambanall forest side in Rajbagh area this morning, the officials said.
They said police assisted by Army and CRPF started a search and cordon operation immediately after getting the information, which was continuing when last reports were received, but there was no trace of the suspected terrorists, the officials said.
In March last year, a gunfight in Soffain forest had left four policemen and two terrorists of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit dead. The area is being used by terrorists to move towards hinterland after sneaking from across the international border.
Special Operations Group of local police along with CRPF also launched a search operation at Panjtirthi, Bhini Nallah, Barota, Aglidhar and adjoining areas in Ramkote sector of Kathua around 12.15 pm, the officials said.
Meanwhile, police and Army are also continuing searches for the second day in SIDCO forest area of nearby Samba district, which was launched early Sunday after two suspected persons were noticed moving under the cover of darkness, the officials said.
