Jammu (J&K): Just 4 days after taking over as the Chief of Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi today undertook a visit to the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch sector to review security situation and operational preparedness of the troops.
The visit assumes significance as Poonch and Rajouri have been in news in the recent months in the context of terror incidents.
Gen Dwivedi reached Jammu this morning and flew to Poonch soon after.
Gen Dwivedi, along with Northern Army Commander Lt Gen M.V. Suchindra Kumar, visited the forward locations in Jammu Division and reviewed the security situation along the Line of Control, the Army said.
“The COAS was briefed on the operation preparedness by the Commanders on ground. The COAS lauded all Ranks for maintaining high standards of professionalism and exhorted them to remain steadfast to meet all current and emerging security challenges,” the Army posted on X.
He also chaired a meeting with field commanders and interacted with ex-servicemen.
The Army Chief also visited the District Police Headquarters in Poonch where he familiarised himself with the workings of the police and general area of Poonch.
He interacted with the territorial police officers and emphasised the importance of close coordination between the Army and the civil authorities to achieve better results, said a statement by the police.
“General Dwivedi’s visit underscores the commitment to maintaining strong collaboration between military and civil forces for enhanced security and development in the region,” the police spokesman said.
Gen Dwivedi took over as the Army Chief on June 30.
Earlier, from February 1, 2022 to February 18, 2024, he served as the Chief of Northern Command, which is based in Udhampur near Jammu and has the responsibility of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh.
In the recent months, there has been a spurt in terror activities in Jammu Division of the Union Territory, particularly in Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Doda and Kathua districts.
These terror activities have been carried out by freshly-infiltrated Pakistani terrorists with the support of some locals.
One major terror attack was carried out on June 9 when terrorists targeted a bus full of Hindu pilgrims in Reasi district, killing 9 people and injuring over 40.
The culprits are still at large and a hunt continues to track them down.
