Srinagar, Sep 26: Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth on Saturday reviewed operational preparedness of Rashtriya Rifles formations under the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps and called on troops to remain “mission-ready and counter-terror ready,” a day after inspecting the Line of Control (LoC) grid and a forward surgical facility in the Tangdhar sector of Kupwara.
The Army Chief visited a Rashtriya Rifles Sector Headquarters and was briefed on the prevailing security situation and on measures put in place to detect, deter and respond decisively to terrorist threats.
He commended all ranks for professionalism, commitment and high standards of preparedness, and exhorted them to maintain constant vigilance, sharpen intelligence-led operations and retain the ability to respond swiftly and precisely to emerging threats.
He also underlined seamless synergy and close coordination with the civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other agencies to improve situational awareness and strengthen the overall counter-terror response. Commendation badges were pinned on soldiers recognised for gallantry and exemplary service in counter-terrorist operations.
“He emphasised the need to remain ahead of the threat, maintain relentless operational focus and ensure a coordinated, calibrated response, while safeguarding the safety and security of the people,” the Army said.
True to the spirit of “Jai se Vijay,” it added, the Indian Army remains resolute in countering terrorism, strengthening synergy and protecting the people.
The Saturday review of the hinterland RR grid followed Friday’s visit to forward areas of the Chinar Corps in Tangdhar (Karnah) in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Commanders briefed Gen Seth on the LoC security environment, operational readiness and capability development, including measures to keep a robust posture along the Line of Control and preparedness for counter-terrorist operations in depth.
Tangdhar sits on one of the historically sensitive LoC approaches in Kupwara, with mountain approaches that have long figured in infiltration attempts and, in earlier years, in attacks on Army camps.
The sector is held under a layered counter-infiltration arrangement — surveillance and sensors, obstacles, and physical domination by patrols and ambushes – while Rashtriya Rifles units of Kilo Force, working with regular infantry and police, hold the hinterland grid that is meant to intercept any element that slips past the fence.
The Army Chief also visited the Advanced Surgical Eye Camp under Operation Drishti 2026 at the underground Forward Surgical Centre of the field hospital at Tangdhar, a facility built to function in a high-threat border environment. Specialist teams from Army Hospital (R&R), New Delhi, and 92 Base Hospital, Srinagar, are screening thousands of patients and planning hundreds of ophthalmic surgeries for serving personnel, veterans, Veer Naris, dependents and civilians from remote belt areas.
Phase-I surgeries were conducted at the forward location before the team moves to Badami Bagh for the next phase.
Interacting with troops in the operational areas, Gen Seth reiterated the five-point “VIJAY” framework he outlined after assuming charge on June 30 — Vigilance, Innovation and Transformation, Jointness and Integration, Atmanirbharta, and Yodha First – aimed at a force able to respond at short notice across the full spectrum of operations. He appreciated coordination among the Army, civil administration, CAPFs and J&K Police in maintaining peace and stability.
This is Gen Seth’s second visit to Kashmir since taking over as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff.
His first Northern Command tour in early July covered Headquarters Chinar Corps, formations in Kupwara, Uri and Manasbal, Headquarters White Knight Corps and forward areas in the Jammu region.
Officials said the combined LoC – hinterland review reflects the Army’s dual requirement in north Kashmir: hold the fence against infiltration and keep the Rashtriya Rifles counter-terror grid sharp against residual and emerging threats, while continuing civic outreach in isolated border pockets such as Karnah.
About The Author
