Srinagar: Three days after seven civilians were killed post a gunfight that left three militants and a soldier dead, the Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh on Monday visited south Kashmir and “commended troops for their dedication to duty” and asked all ranks to maintain a “safe, secure and peaceful environment for the (people) of the Kashmir.
The army commander arrived in the Kashmir Valley on Monday to review the prevailing security situation in the wake of recent counter insurgency operations in the region.
During the visit, the Army Commander was briefed by the Chinar Corps Commander, Lt Gen AK Bhatt, at Badami Bagh Cantonment on the overall situation and major operational, informational, logistical and administrative aspects pertaining to the Corps, a defence ministry spokesman said.
“They also visited the forward areas in the frontier districts of Kupwara and Baramulla, where the Army Commander was briefed by the commanders on ground as regards the operational preparedness,” the spokesman said, adding, “During his interaction with the troops, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh lauded their professionalism, sharp vigil along the Line of Control and high morale and exhorted them to remain alert for any eventuality.”
Later in the day, the spokesman said, the Army Commander visited hinterland formations in South Kashmir and was briefed about the current situation and recent counter militancy operations.
“The Army Commander complimented the troops for their remarkable successes in eliminating (militant) leadership from South Kashmir and also commended them for their dedication to duty,” the spokesman said, adding, “Lauding the excellent synergy amongst all the security forces, he asked all ranks to maintain a safe, secure and peaceful environment for the (people) of the Kashmir.”