Army chief Rawat for united action by forces

SRINAGAR: Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday called for coordinated efforts by security forces to effectively deal with the problem of stone pelting by civilians during counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir.

The army chief discussed the issue with army officers during security review meetings at headquarters of counter-insurgency units— Kilo Force and Victor Force in Srinagar, an official said.

“Reinforcing the need to maintain high vigil, the army chief discussed the issue of stone-pelting during operations and impressed upon all to synergise efforts with the other security agencies in dealing with such situations effectively,” the official said.

Rawat, who arrived in Srinagar on Thursday, was briefed on the prevailing security situation and recent operations conducted by the security forces.

He also reviewed the collabo- rative measures of security forces towards ensuring peace in the region.

Rawat, accompanied by Northern Command chief Lt General D Anbu and Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen JS Sandhu, paid tributes to the three soldiers killed in a militant attack in Shopian on Thursday.

He laid floral wreaths on the coffins carrying the mortal remains of the three soldiers —Lance Naik Ghulam Mohiuddin Rather, Sapper Sreejith MJ and Sepoy Vikas Singh .

“As the entire nation salutes the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice in yesterday’s terrorist attack in Shopian, the army gave a befitting farewell to its brave hearts today in a solemn ceremony here,” an army spokesperson said.

The army chief also expressed anguish over the death of an elderly woman, Taja Begum, in the attack.