Army Chief General Bipin Rawat today visited Udhampur-based Northern Command and reviewed the security situation and operational preparedness of the force.
Gen Rawat was received by top army officials and briefed by Northern Commander Lt Gen Devraj Anbu.
He flew to 16 Corps headquarters based in Nagrota and is likely to visit some forward areas in Kupwara, Anantnag, Akhnoor and Rajouri where he will be briefed upon the prevailing security situation. He will also be interacting with officers and jawans here.
General Rawat lauded the role of Northern Command in restoring peace and normalcy during the recent unrest.
He also commended the soldiers for strongly reciprocating to the unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan.
“Every soldier of our Army plays an important role towards security of the nation because it is the contribution of every soldier that makes the Army efficient and strong,” he said.
The visit assumes importance as Northern Command is the first place where General Rawat is visiting after taking over as Army Chief.
During his three-day stay here, the Army Chief will also visit Udhampur, Srinagar and Siachen.
This is the maiden visit of General Rawat to Jammu and Kashmir after taking over as Chief of Army Staff.
"The Army Chief reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and also operational preparedness of Northern Command at a high-level meeting," officials said.
Northern Command looks after the operational command of Jammu and Kashmir and Line of Control (LoC), Acutual Ground Position Level (AGPL) with Pakistan and Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Ladakh.
Gen Rawat took charge on December 31, succeeding Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag, who retired after 42 years of service. Gen Rawat was commissioned in the 5th Battalion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles in December 1978 from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and has vast experience in high altitude warfare and counter-insurgency operations.
He commanded an infantry battalion along the Line of Actual Control in the Eastern Sector, a Rashtriya Rifles Sector and an infantry division in the Kashmir Valley, a Corps in the eastern theatre and the Southern Command.
Gen Rawat has held important staff appointments at Directorate General of Military Operations and Military Secretary's Branch at Army headquarters.
