Army chief reviews troops’ preparedness in Jammu region

Jammu, June 21 (IANS) Indian Army chief, Gen. Bipin Rawat on Friday reviewed the operational preparedness of troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.

Defence Ministry spokesman, Lt Col Devender Anand said that Gen Rawat, accompanied by Northern Command chief, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, visited troops on the LoC to review the prevailing situation and operational readiness of units of the White Knight Corps.

The army chief was briefed and updated by Corps Commander Lt Gen Paramjit Singh and the commanders on ground.

"The COAS reviewed the mission readiness of units, response mechanism to cease-fire violations, measures adopted to deal with Pakistan proxies, counter-infiltration posture and preparation to deal with violent actions on the LoC.

"In addition, the COAS was also briefed on strategy to deal with inimical elements who are attempting to revive terrorism south of Pir Panjal, misguiding and attempting to radicalise the innocent youth," the spokesman said.

Gen Rawat also interacted with the soldiers deployed on the LoC and for counter-terrorism operations and commended them "for their unwavering dedication to duty, selfless devotion and high standard of professionalism". He also awarded soldiers for gallant actions on the LoC.

"He was appreciative of the measures and standard operating procedures instituted by the units to ensure safe-secure environment, grasp of situation by the formation, synergy with civil administration, high morale, preparedness and mission readiness efforts by the troops" and conveyed his satisfaction, Lt Col Anand said.

During his interaction with the troops, the army chief stressed the need to remain prepared for strong retribution if the enemy provokes, and to always remain vigilant to counter the nefarious designs of the enemy and anti-national elements, he added.