Srinagar, 02 June: General MM Naravane, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), on Wednesday reached Srinagar as he embarked on his two-day visit to Kashmir to review the prevailing security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
On his arrival, the Army Chief, accompanied by Lt Gen YK Joshi, the Northern Army Commander and Lt Gen DP Pandey, Chinar Corps Commander visited units and formations in the hinterland.
He was briefed by the local Commanders on the existing security situation and the measures being taken to identify & target the over ground workers’ (OGWs) network involved in radicalisation and recruitment of youth into militancy, said a defence spokesman, in a statement.
He said efforts to prevent local recruitment and facilitate surrender of local militants were also discussed.
While interacting with troops, the COAS expressed his appreciation to the jawans and commanders who are relentlessly battling the dual challenges of Pakistan-abetted militancy and the global pandemic, said the spokesman.
He further reinforced the need to be prepared to meet emerging security challenges effectively. Later, the COAS was briefed by the Chinar Corps Commander on the overall situation pertaining to the Line of Control and the hinterland.
“The Army Chief complimented the excellent synergy exhibited by all sections of the Civil administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces and other Security agencies in projecting a ‘Whole of Government’ approach that has resulted in improvement in the security situation conducive for fostering a new era of development in the UT,” said the spokesman.
In the evening, the COAS called on the Lt Governor Shri Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan and discussed the emerging challenges and road map for long term peace in J&K. The LG appreciated the role played by the Indian Army in restoring and preserving peace in the UT and providing aid to the civil authorities against the COVID 19 pandemic, added the spokesman.