Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, visited the Chinar Corps headquarters in Srinagar to assess operational preparedness and evaluate security arrangements ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, set to commence on July 3.
During his visit, Lt Gen Sharma received a detailed briefing on the current security dynamics in the Kashmir Valley and the operational posture of the XV Corps, which is tasked with maintaining stability in this strategically significant region bordering Pakistan and China. The discussion focused on counter-insurgency measures and inter-agency coordination, particularly in light of recent security incidents that have occurred in the Jammu region.
A central focus of the visit was a thorough review of security measures for the Amarnath Yatra, a major Hindu pilgrimage that draws over 300,000 devotees to the Amarnath Cave Shrine each year. The yatra has faced significant challenges in past years, including a deadly terror attack in 2017 and a devastating cloudburst in 2022 that resulted in 15 fatalities. Such incidents have raised the stakes for security preparedness this year.
Lt Gen Sharma inspected various security infrastructures along the pilgrimage routes, which included electronic surveillance systems, access control mechanisms, avalanche rescue teams, and contingency plans for medical evacuations and natural disaster responses. Close collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Border Roads Organisation is essential for implementing a comprehensive security and logistical strategy.
Commending the professionalism and resilience displayed by Chinar Corps personnel, Lt Gen Sharma emphasized the need for sustained vigilance to address both terror threats and potential natural hazards. He highlighted the importance of ensuring a safe pilgrimage experience for civilians while maintaining operational effectiveness in the region.
The visit also underscored the Indian Army’s broader mission in Jammu and Kashmir, where overall militancy levels have significantly decreased in recent years. Areas such as Doda and Tral were declared militancy-free in 2020. However, threats from groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen continue to loom, due to their history of violent attacks, including the notorious 2002 Qasim Nagar massacre and the 2005 Srinagar bombing.
As the Indian Army pursues its dual mandate of securing borders while maintaining internal peace, the proactive engagement of the Northern Command, as demonstrated through Lt Gen Sharma’s visit, reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding national interests and enhancing civilian safety in this volatile Himalayan region.
