Army Chief reviews LoC security in Kupwara, visits Manasbal formation

Srinagar, Jul 8: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth visited the Headquarters of Chinar Corps (15 Corps) and some if its formations in Kashmir as part of his maiden three-day tour to J&K. The visit focused on assessing the prevailing security situation, operational preparedness, and combat readiness along the Line of Control (LoC) and in the hinterland. During the visit, accompanied by GOC-in-C Northern Command , Lt Gen Pratik Sharma and GOC 15 Corps, Lt Gen Balbir Singh, the Army Chief was briefed on key operational aspects, including deployments along the LoC, ongoing counter-terrorism operations, inter-agency synergy with central and state forces, evolving security dynamics, and comprehensive security arrangements for the ongoing AmarnathYatra. He also reviewed initiatives related to technology absorption, capability enhancement, and integrated combat readiness across the full spectrum of operations. General Seth commended all ranks of the Army for their exceptional professionalism, steadfast commitment under challenging conditions, and relentless efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the region. “The COAS appreciated the high morale and dedication of the troops,” defence sources said. “#GeneralDhirajSeth, #COAS visited HQ @ChinarcorpsIA and its formations to review the prevailing security situation, operational preparedness and combat readiness along the Line of Control and in the hinterland.The #COAS was briefed on the operational deployments, counter-terrorism operations, inter-agency synergy, evolving operational dynamics and security arrangements for the ongoing Shri AmarnathYatra. He also reviewed the initiatives towards #TechAbsorption, capability enhancement and integrated combat readiness across the full spectrum of operations. During the visit, the #COAS commended all ranks for their exceptional professionalism and steadfast commitment under challenging conditions and appreciated their relentless efforts in maintaining peace and stability.#IndianArmy@NorthernComd_IA,” ADGPI Indian Army said in a post on X. The Army Chief visited the 28 Infantry Division in Kupwara, where he took stock of operational readiness in the sensitive frontier areas. He also reviewed the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Sector arrangements in Mansbal, with a specific focus on security grids supporting the AmarnathYatra. From Mansbal, he proceeded to Nagrota to interact with formations under the Northern Command before departing on Thursday. This visit comes shortly after General Seth assumed charge as COAS on June 30. On Tuesday, he called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at LokBhavan and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his residence in Srinagar. The meetings, held as a courtesy call, included a detailed review of the overall security landscape in J&K. General Seth was accompanied by Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Chinar Corps, and other senior officers. The Lt Governor and the Chief Minister extended warm greetings to the new Army Chief and discussed collaborative efforts towards maintaining peace, stability, and development in J&K. The visit assumes significance amid the ongoing AmarnathYatra, which commenced on July 3 and is drawing record numbers of pilgrims. Multi-layered security arrangements, including drone surveillance, anti-terror grids, and close coordination between the Army, J&K Police, CRPF, and other agencies, are in place to ensure the safe conduct of the pilgrimage. The Army has been playing a pivotal role in providing logistical support, medical aid, and area domination along both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. Chinar Corps, responsible for counter-terrorism and LoC management in the Kashmir, has been at the forefront of operations aimed at dismantling terror networks.