In a significant morale-boosting visit to forward positions in Jammu and Kashmir, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), commended Indian Army troops for their outstanding performance during Operation Sindoor, a major counter-terror strike initiated earlier this month. The General visited the Dagger Division under the Chinar Corps, engaging with soldiers stationed along the Line of Control (LoC) and praising their courage and vigilance amid high-intensity military operations.
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, is a meticulously planned military offensive aimed at dismantling terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK). This action was taken in direct response to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the loss of 26 civilian lives. The Indian Army’s operation led to the destruction of nine terror facilities linked to the militant groups Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, thus significantly degrading the infrastructure supporting terrorism across the border.
During his engagement, General Dwivedi recognized the dedication of troops not just in combat but also in humanitarian efforts, especially highlighting the Dagger Division’s assistance to civilians impacted by retaliatory shelling from Pakistan. The aftermath of the strikes has been severe, with ongoing cross-border firing resulting in the deaths of 15 civilians and one soldier, with 59 others injured across areas including Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor.
The General stressed the necessity of sustained operational readiness, asserting that the army must be prepared to respond decisively to any future provocations. He reiterated a directive that grants local commanders along the western border full autonomy to enact countermeasures against ceasefire violations, especially given that a brief understanding reached on May 10 between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan has shown signs of strain.
General Dwivedi’s visit occurs during a period of heightened alertness along the LoC. Operation Sindoor is viewed as a pivotal move in reinforcing India’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, a sentiment echoed by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. However, the operation’s aftermath has also led to escalated tensions, including the evacuation of United Nations personnel from Poonch and significant displacement of civilians from border villages.
The Army Chief’s interaction with troops and assessment of the current ground situation underscore the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to national security and civilian protection. With the atmosphere along the LoC remaining tense, the Indian Army is on high alert, fortified in its readiness to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and respond robustly to any cross-border threats.
