Indian Army chief urges extra vigil in Kashmir
By IANSWednesday, April 21, 2010
JAMMU - Indian Army chief Gen. V.K. Singh Wednesday called for a high degree of vigil in Jammu and Kashmir, both on the borders and in the hinterland, as the challenges had “multiplied” in view of increased infiltration attempts into the state.
Addressing officers at the Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur, 66 km north of here, on his first visit to the state after assuming office March 31, he said: “The challenges for the army have multiplied in the state of Jammu and Kashmir as attempts are being made from across to push in terrorists into this side.”
The major theme of the army chief’s address related to the infiltration from across the Line of Control (LoC) and also the “challenge” to maintain peace in the state.
During his visit, which stared Tuesday when he landed at Leh, Singh also visited Srinagar, where he reviewed the security situation in the Kashmir Valley.
The troops under the Srinagar-based 15 Corps are responsible for guarding the LoC that divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan and are also committed to fighting terrorists in the hinterland.
At Udhampur, Singh also reviewed the security situation in the state with the Northern Command chief, Lt. Gen. B S Jaswal.
Later Wednesday evening, Singh arrived at Nagrota, near Jammu, the headquarters of the 16 Corps.
He is also scheduled to meet Governor N.N. Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah before returning to New Delhi on Thursday.
