Army commander visits LoC in Poonch and Jammu districts

Lt General Ranbir Singh, the Northern Army Commander, on Tuesday advised troops deployed on forwards positions on the Line of Control to ensure safety of people living along the border during ceasefire violation by Pakistan and also effectively prevent infiltration by terrorists.

Defence Ministry spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand said in winter capital Jammu that Lt General Ranbir Singh was accompanied by White Knights Corps Commander, Lt General Paramjit Singh.

"They visited forward posts of Poonch and Akhnoor sectors to review the operational preparedness and the prevailing security situation.

"During the visit to the sectors, the Army Commander was briefed about the current operational and prevailing security situation besides the preparedness of the formations, said the spokesman.

"The Army Commander was also briefed on the actions being taken to ensure a robust counter-infiltration and counter-terrorist grid to enable continued peace and stability in the region," he said.

"The Army Commander also interacted with the soldiers and complimented them for their unwavering dedication to duty, selfless devotion and high standard of professionalism," the spokesman added.

The Pakistan Army has been violating ceasefire by targeting military and civilian facilities.

Pakistan troops have violated ceasefire on the LoC and the International Border in J&K, 1,432 times in 2018 -- the highest in the last eight years, sources said.

--IANS

sq/prs