General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar on Friday said that their efforts are concentrating on breaking the cycle of violence and dismantling the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
Addressing media at Army Headquarters, Udhampur, Lt. Gen. Kumar said, “Our efforts are concentrating on empowering youth and women, facilitating education, promoting sports, and reviving the rich historical and cultural legacy of the region.” He stressed that the core strategy is to strengthen the bond between citizens and soldiers while promoting nationalist and mainstream narratives, especially among the youth.
The Army Commander outlined the success of integrating military and social outreach efforts, which have fostered greater community engagement and supported the successful execution of kinetic operations. “Through integrated efforts, we are contributing to the broader process of nation-building, ensuring security through both kinetic and non-kinetic operations,” he said.
Highlighting the security situation, Lt. Gen. Kumar stated that the anti-infiltration grid along the Line of Control (LoC) and focused counter-terrorism operations in the hinterland have led to an environment of peace and development in J&K. “There is synergy between the Indian Army, civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces, Police, and Intelligence Agencies, which has paid rich dividends,” he remarked, adding that peace, prosperity, and improved security are outcomes of these concerted efforts.
On recent developments, the Army Commander referenced remarks by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, noting that recent diplomatic and military discussions have led to an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, resolving issues that arose in 2020. “As a result, there has been disengagement, leading to the resolution of previous concerns along the northern borders,” he said.
Emphasizing capability development, Lt. Gen. Kumar said, “We are focusing on enhancing forward area connectivity and upgrading existing infrastructure along the northern borders. Efforts are underway to procure advanced weapon platforms, while simultaneously upgrading and refurbishing existing equipment.”
He also highlighted the Indian Army’s participation in the ‘Make In India’ initiative to modernize and transform itself into a technologically advanced, self-reliant force. “Northern Command remains at the forefront of this drive, working closely with industry partners to develop niche technology equipment,” he said.
Lt. Gen. Kumar reiterated the Army’s role in development through Operation Sadbhavana, which undertakes various development activities in J&K and Ladakh. “We are providing quality education to students from these regions through Army Goodwill Schools and supporting them to pursue studies outside the Union Territories via special scholarship schemes and residential school programs,” he said.
Meanwhile, two soldiers, including two porters, were killed in a terror attack on an army vehicle near the Nagin post in the Gulmarg area of Baramulla district on Thursday. This was the second major attack within a week in the Kashmir Valley.
In response, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level Unified Headquarters (UHQ) meeting, directing security agencies to eliminate the menace of terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir. Sources indicated that LG Sinha emphasized the importance of a robust security grid and seamless inter-agency cooperation.
Addressing top officials from security forces, intelligence agencies, and the state administration, LG Sinha called for a unified approach to bolster security across the Union Territory in light of the recent attacks.
