Army chief in Valley, takes stock of security situation
SAFETY CHECK Stresses need to maintain vigil to defeat designs of hostile forces
: Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday arrived in Kashmir on a two-day visit against the backdrop of a halt on security operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the month of Ramzan.
The army chief’s visit coincides with the visit of Centre’s interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma, who met chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and governor Narendra Nath Vohra.
Accompanied by the Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen AK Bhatt, the Army Chief visited formation headquarters and units.
General Rawat met top formation commanders who briefed him about the current situation, especially about situation in the Valley and on the Line of Control. The Army Chief was also briefed about the impact of unilateral ceasefire, meanwhile he also reviewed security situation in the Valley.
“The Army chief visited formation headquarters and units where he was briefed by the commanders on ground, regarding the operational preparedness. The Army Chief was appreciative of the measures and standard operating procedures instituted by the units and formations to meet the challenges posed by the inimical elements,” defence spokesman said.
He said that the army chief also commended performance of the troops in recent successful operations and stressed the need to maintain extra vigil to defeat designs of hostile forces.
DINESHWAR MEETS CM
Meanwhile, Dineshwar Sharma arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday afternoon and had a detailed meeting with chief minister Mehbooba Mufti. Officials said, during the meeting, overall situation in the State, particularly after the announcement of Ramadan ceasefire by the Centre, was discussed.
Sharma also briefed the CM about his recent interactions with a cross-section of society in different areas and the situation along the borders in the State
RAISE VIGIL AT BORDER
Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday ordered a stepping up of vigil along the international border, amid heightened tensions with Pakistan on the western frontier
According to a home ministry statement, the directive was given at a high-level meeting, which was attended by Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba and special secretary (border management) BR Sharma. During the meeting, the officials took stock of the progress of construction of border fencing, roads and outposts along India’s borders with neighbouring countries.