Srinagar, May 1: In a significant leadership transition, Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava on Friday relinquished command of the Chinar Corps after 19 months of distinguished service, handing over the reins to Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, a highly decorated officer with over three decades of rich operational experience.
Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava relinquished the Command and handed over reins of the Chinar Corps after 19 months of exemplary leadership and sage guidance. During this period the region witnessed consolidation of security architecture which became responsive and synergised and contributed to peace and stability of the Valley.
His eventful and challenging tenure was characterised by meticulous execution of OP SINDOOR & OP MAHADEV, which brought the perpetrators of the dastardly ‘Pahalgam Attack’ to justice, incident-free conduct of the Amarnath Yatra 2025 and multiple initiatives in Nation Building.
Under his astute stewardship, the Corps also registered notable operational successes in Counter-Infiltration along the Line of Control and in Counter-Terrorism operations in the hinterland, delivering a decisive and debilitating blow to inimical elements. Equally commendable were his sustained outreach initiatives, which fostered trust and goodwill among the local populace, earning him admiration for his humane and affable approach.
Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava now proceeds to assume the prestigious appointment of the Quarter Master General at IHQ of MoD (Army), New Delhi.
Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, a highly decorated and battle-hardened officer with over 34 years of illustrious service, has assumed command of the Chinar Corps on 01 May 2026. Upon taking over, he paid solemn obeisance at the Chinar War Memorial, Srinagar, honouring the supreme sacrifice of the Nation’s bravehearts.
Possessing extensive operational experience in Counter-Infiltration and Counter-Terrorism operations across Jammu & Kashmir and North East, he brings along a wealth of expertise and strategic acumen. He previously had commanded the Counter Insurgency Force (Victor) in South Kashmir.
In his inaugural address, Lieutenant General Balbir Singh reaffirmed his resolve to work in close synergy with the Civil Administration and the ‘Awaam of Kashmir’ to further strengthen the foundation of peace, stability and prosperity in the region. He exhorted all sections of the society to join hands with security forces in overcoming the persistent challenges.
As the mantle of leadership transitions, the Chinar Corps remains an enduring emblem of unity, resilience and unwavering commitment – steadfast in its mission to ensure lasting peace, stability, nurturing rich cultural heritage and meet the aspirations of the Kashmiri youth for a brighter future & ‘Vikasit Kashmir’.
