The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on Monday approved Lt Gen A K Bhatt’s appointment as the country's new Director General of Military Operations (DGMO).
As DGMO, Lt Gen Bhatt will be in charge of all army operations including on the LoC which has seen heightened tension.
Bhatt, a Gorkha officer, replaces Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, who has been appointed as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Mathura-based Strike 1 Corps -- one of the three assault forces of the army -- which is mandated to cross into Pakistan in a short notice.
It was during the tenure of Lt Gen Singh that India carried out surgical strikes at five separate locations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to target terrorist launch pads.
Bhatt is at present posted in the Army Headquarters as the Additional Director General of CAB (Complaint and Advisory Board).
The appointment was cleared by the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The cabinet panel also approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs to appoint Lt. Gen Shokin Chauhan as Director General of Assam Rifles on deputation basis for a period of two years with effect from the date of his assumption of charge or till his retirement from the Army or until further orders.
(With PTI inputs)
