Army Chief Dalbir Singh on Saturday visited the Northern and Western Commands on Saturday to assess operational readiness.
At the Udhampur headquarters of the Northern Command, “The Army chief interacted with troops who participated in the surgical strike operation and conveyed his appreciation and best wishes to them,” an Army statement said.
“The Army has to be on a very high level of alert and vigil. It has to remain prepared for any eventuality,” said Lt Gen D.S. Hooda, GOC-in-C of the Northern Command, who briefed the Army chief. Lt. Gen Hooda, who also visited the Kashmir Valley, complimented 15 Corps for the “high degree of professionalism in the planning and execution of surgical strikes along the LoC.”
Sources said the Army has been asked to fortify positions on the LoC and the international border to thwart any reprisal by Pakistan. In a reflection of worry in the Army because of the ongoing civilian unrest in the Valley, Lt Gen Hooda urged people “to ensure calm and peace in these sensitive times and strengthen the Government and security agencies in meeting the challenges emanating from across the borders.”
(With Peerzada Ashiq in Srinagar)
