Army chief takes stock of overall security in Valley

Indian army chief, General Dalbir Singh Suhag on Wednesday reviewed the overall security situation in the Kashmir Valley.

General Suhag arrived here in the morning accompanied by Lieutenant General, D.S.Hooda, general officer commanding-n-Chief (GOC-n-C) northern command.

The army chief interacted with senior army officials led by Lieutenant General, S.K.Dua, corps commander of Srinagar based 15 corps at the Badami Bagh headquarters in summer capital.

Army sources told IANS the army chief was briefed about the security situation on the borders and the hinterland in the Valley.

"Steps taken for close coordination and complete synergy between the army and other security forces were highlighted during the briefing given to the COAS (Chief of Army Staff).

"Steps taken to maintain peace in the Valley by working in close coordination with the state government were also discussed".

The army chief visited north Kashmir Kupwara division headquarters of the army and the Awantipore air base during his daylong visit to the Valley.

General Suhag also met the state director general of police (DGP) during his visit.

Sources said the army chief expressed grief over the casualties of civilians and the security forces during protests in the Valley.

"He has appealed the people to maintain peace and help the security forces serve them better", a defence official said here.

--IANS

sq/rn