Army chief reviews security situation in Kashmir valley

Army chief General Bipin Rawat reviewed the prevailing security situation in Kashmir today, a defence official said.

The Chief of Army Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, visited the Kashmir Valley to review the prevailing security situation in the hinterland, Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said in a statement here.

Kalia said the Army chief was accompanied by Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen A K Bhatt.

Rawat visited formation headquarters and units where he was briefed by the commanders on the ground about the operational preparedness, the spokesman said.

He said the Army chief was appreciative of the measures and standard operating procedures instituted by the units, and formations to meet the challenges posed by the inimical elements.

Commending the performance of the troops in the recent successful operations, the Army chief stressed the need to maintain the extra vigil to defeat the evil designs of hostile forces and assured his full support to further strengthen the security posture, the spokesman said.

He said Gen Rawat also took stock of the security and administrative arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath yatra scheduled to commence from June 27. He stressed on the need for close coordination with civil administration to ensure a smooth and efficient conduct of the yatra.