Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, recently conducted a high-level review of counter-insurgency and counter-infiltration operations along the Pir Panjal Range. This visit, held on July 11, focused on assessing the current security stance in a region that is both strategically sensitive and vital to national defense, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.
During his visit, Lt Gen Sharma inspected troop deployments and engaged in discussions with personnel stationed at various frontline posts. He emphasized the importance of maintaining an aggressive operational posture, ensuring seamless surveillance, and achieving uninterrupted readiness in operations. His directives were aimed at enhancing coordination at ground level, making a point of reinforcing the need for quick responsiveness in light of evolving security challenges in the area.
The Pir Panjal Range is not just an ordinary topographical feature; it is a critical frontier in the Lesser Himalayas, known for its military significance. The area includes the historic Haji Pir Pass, which has seen significant military confrontations in the years 1948 and 1965. While the pass currently remains under Pakistani control, its proximity to vital infiltration routes underscores the necessity for a robust and sustained security presence from Indian forces.
Lt Gen Sharma, who has been with the Madras Regiment since his commissioning in 1987, brings a wealth of experience to his current role, spanning over 37 years across various operational, strategic, and technological fields. His past positions, including Director General of Military Operations and Director General of Information Warfare, have equipped him with a unique skill set. He has a proven ability to integrate cyber capabilities and psychological operations into conventional counter-insurgency strategies, which is increasingly relevant in today’s complex security landscape.
Since the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019, the Indian Army has adopted a more proactive approach to neutralizing potential threats and preventing cross-border infiltration. Under Lt Gen Sharma’s leadership, efforts have been directed toward enhancing intelligence integration, surveillance, and rapid-response frameworks. Military studies have indicated that such improvements in leadership and monitoring can amplify operational success in counter-insurgency missions by up to 30 percent.
The Northern Command continues to hold a pivotal role in India’s overarching defense strategy, and Lt Gen Sharma’s recent visit highlights the ongoing commitment to securing territorial integrity and ensuring long-term stability in the Pir Panjal region.
