Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, undertook a comprehensive review of the security landscape in North Kashmir on June 11, 2025. This visit represents a significant field engagement for Lt Gen Sharma since he took command in April 2025, following an illustrious tenure that included a role as Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy).
During his visit, Lt Gen Sharma visited various formations and units of the Counter Insurgency Force (Kilo), evaluating the ongoing operations and the preparedness of troops in this strategically vital part of the country, particularly near the Line of Control.
A focal point of his review was Operation All-Out, a multi-agency initiative that was initiated in 2016 after the unrest triggered by the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. This operation has been instrumental in neutralizing over 60 militant hideouts and in seizing a vast array of arms and ammunition. Furthermore, it represents a strategic evolution in counter-insurgency approaches, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive strategy that incorporates both military operations and civilian engagement.
Throughout his interactions with the troops deployed in the region, Lt Gen Sharma praised their unwavering commitment and sacrifices in their efforts to uphold national integrity. He recognized the relentless efforts of the forces combating various threats that range from conventional military challenges to asymmetric warfare. Additionally, he underscored the necessity of adapting to new security dynamics while maintaining the core values and professionalism that characterize the Indian Army.
The general also assessed the humanitarian and developmental initiatives under Operation Sadbhavana, the Army’s outreach program designed to foster goodwill in Jammu and Kashmir since 1998. These initiatives encompass a broad spectrum of activities, including healthcare camps, infrastructural support, development of model villages, and youth engagement through sports, such as the popular Kashmir Premier League. Reports suggest that these programs have garnered significant community support, reflecting approval ratings of up to 70% in certain areas.
Overall, the visit illustrated the Army’s commitment to both robust counter-insurgency operations and the promotion of local goodwill through development efforts and confidence-building measures. Under Lt Gen Sharma’s command, the Northern Command is expected to reinforce these dual objectives as part of its mission to secure lasting peace and stability in the region.
