Srinagar: Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava on Thursday relinquished command of the Chinar Corps after 19 months of service, handing over charge to Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, officials said.
During his tenure, Lt Gen Srivastava oversaw the consolidation of the security architecture in the Valley, which officials said became more responsive and better coordinated, contributing to overall peace and stability. His tenure was marked by key operational achievements, including the execution of Operation SINDOOR and Operation MAHADEV, which led to action against those involved in the Pahalgam attack. He also oversaw the incident-free conduct of the Amarnath Yatra 2025 and several initiatives aimed at nation-building.
Under his leadership, the Corps reported significant successes in counter-infiltration operations along the Line of Control as well as counter-terrorism operations in the hinterland. Officials said these efforts dealt a major blow to militant networks. His tenure also included sustained outreach initiatives aimed at building trust with local communities, earning him appreciation for his people-centric approach.
Lt Gen Srivastava will now assume the appointment of Quarter Master General at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) in New Delhi.
Lt Gen Balbir Singh, who has over 34 years of service, formally assumed command of the Chinar Corps on May 1. On taking charge, he paid tributes at the Chinar War Memorial in Srinagar in honour of fallen soldiers. He brings with him extensive operational experience in counter-infiltration and counter-terrorism operations across Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, and has previously commanded the Counter Insurgency Force (Victor) in South Kashmir.
In his inaugural address, Lt Gen Singh said he would work in close coordination with the civil administration and the people of Kashmir to further strengthen peace, stability and development in the region. He also called on all sections of society to cooperate with security forces in addressing ongoing challenges.
Officials said the transition of leadership reflects continuity in the Corps’ mission of maintaining security and supporting long-term stability and development in the region.
