Srinagar (NVI): Lieutenant General BS Raju assumed the charge of strategic Kashmir-based Chinar Corps as the 49th Corps Commander today.
Lt Gen Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon handed over the command of 15 Corps to Lt Gen Raju, yesterday.
After taking over the command, Raju paid homage to martyrs. He also conveyed his greetings and best wishes to the ‘Awam’ (people) of Kashmir. “I am happy for being posted to Kashmir once again and that this tenure would be a wonderful opportunity to interact closely with the Awam at many levels,” he said.
“I am sanguine that this is a momentous time in the history of the Valley and is optimistic that together with the Awam, we will usher in an era of peace and stability,” BS Raju said.
He also interacted with the troops of Chinar Corps and enthused them to continue to work with unflinching dedication and perseverance.
Lieutenant General BS Raju, an alumni of Sainik School, Bijapur and National Defence Academy, Pune was commissioned in December 1984 and has an illustrious military career spanning 36 years during which he has held varied prestigious commands, staff and instructional appointments.
The General Officer has an incisive understanding of Jammu & Kashmir, having served here for five tenures since 1984, notable being Force Commander of Rashtriya Rifles and Brigade Commander of an Infantry Brigade on the Line of Control.
A graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (TN) & Royal College of Defence College, United Kingdom, Lieutenant General Raju is credited with important appointments at Army Headquarters and instructional appointments at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and leading the Indian Army Training Team abroad. Before taking over as the Chinar Corps Commander, the General was tenanting the prestigious appointment of Director General Staff Duties at Army Headquarters.