Army chief reviews security situation in Kashmir

Indian Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag on Friday reviewed the security situation on the border with Pakistan and the hinterland in the Kashmir Valley.

A defence statement issued here said the army chief visited the LoC formations and units in north and south Kashmir.

Northern Command head Lieutenant General D. S. Hooda and 15 Corps commander Lieutenant General Satish Dua accompanied the army chief.

"The chief reviewed the security situation and collaborative measures of security forces towards ensuring peace and calm in the region. The chief commended all ranks of Chinar Corps (15 corps) for their operational preparedness and commitment to the cause of national security," a defence statement said.

The chief directed the army to ensure "strict vigil" along the Line of Control (LoC) -- the de facto border that divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

He urged the troops to sensitise the people especially the youth to eschew violence to usher in peace at the earliest.

"He also appreciated the various humanitarian initiatives by the troops to bring succour to the affected locals due to the ongoing unrest and exhorted them to sustain this positive engagement with the common people," the statement said, adding that he was briefed by the 15 Corps commander on the numerous initiatives undertaken by the army across the valley to bring peace.

"General Dalbir Singh reinforced the need to synergise efforts with all the other stakeholders and assured all support for bringing in normalcy, particularly in south Kashmir."

The army chief also met state police chief K. Rajendra and briefed Governor N. N. Vohra on the prevailing situation and initiatives taken to manage it.

--IANS

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