Top Army commander takes stock of situation in valley

General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GoC-in-C) of the Army's Northern Command Lt Gen Ranbir Singh visited the Kashmir valley on Sunday to review the prevailing security situation in the wake of recent counter-militancy operations which have to the elimination of several terrorists, an official said.

Lt Gen Singh also reviewed the operational preparedness of the force in the hinterland of the valley.

"The northern Army commander arrived in the Kashmir valley today to review the prevailing security situation in the wake of recent counter terrorist operations which led to elimination of many terrorists," Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said here.

Singh, accompanied by Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen A K Bhatt, visited the hinterland formations in north and central Kashmir and was briefed by the commanders on ground about the current situation, he said.

The spokesman said the GoC-in-C of the Army's Northern Command reviewed the operational preparedness of the force in the valley. The Army commander complimented the troops for their recent successes and commended them for their dedication to duty and professionalism.

He was appreciative of the measures and standard operating procedures instituted by the units and formations to minimise civilian causalities, Kalia said.

The need to be prepared for effectively meeting emerging security challenges was reinforced, the spokesman said.

Lauding the excellent synergy among all the security forces, the commander exhorted all ranks to maintain a safe, secure and peaceful environment for the people of Kashmir, he added.