Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan Sunday visited the Indian Army’s Northern Command at Udhampur in Jammu & Kashmir and the Western Command at Chandimandir Military Station, Haryana.
He interacted with the Army Commanders and senior staff officers who were actively involved in the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor.
The CDS, while conducting a strategic review and operational assessment in the Northern and Western theatres during the visit, emphasised the importance of continued vigilance, jointness and synergy across the services to address “evolving threats”, an official statement here said.
At Udhampur, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen Pratik Sharma briefed the CDS on the success of the Northern Army in neutralising the terror network, adversary’s assets that supported terror and counter measures taken to protect military assets and civilian population in the country during Operation Sindoor.
The CDS was also apprised about the efforts by the Northern Command in the rehabilitation of the civilians of the border areas who were targeted by the “adversary”, the statement said.
The Northern Army Commander gave an update on the continued operational and logistics preparedness of the Northern Army and assured the CDS of its commitment in protecting the borders, while also launching an all-out effort to eradicate terrorism in & Kashmir, the statement added.
At Chandimandir, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar briefed the CDS on the kinetic and non-kinetic punitive response during Operation Sindoor. A detailed overview of the operational environment, defence preparedness and key outcomes of the operation were provided, while underscoring the prevailing security situation along the Western borders.
Inputs on technological infusion and enhanced logistics capability, contributing to high operational efficiency, real-time situational awareness, strengthening the military capability of Western Army were also highlighted. The CDS was also given an insight into Veterans’ Care & Medicare facilities extended to serving and retired personnel reflecting the Indian Army’s firm commitment to the welfare of those who serve the national cause, the statement said.
General Anil Chauhan remembered the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during Operation Sindoor, lauding the valour, resolve, precision and discipline of all ranks. He acknowledged the operational excellence achieved by the field formations responsible for the Northern and Western borders in Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, the statement said.
The CDS commended the overall synergy and timely accomplishment of operational tasks under challenging conditions. He exhorted them to render a helping hand in rehabilitation of the civilians who were targeted by the “adversary”.
The visit concluded with the CDS expressing his deep appreciation for the exemplary conduct and successful execution of military operations which reaffirmed the faith reposed by the nation in its Armed Forces. He attributed the overall success achieved in attaining national security objectives to high morale, discipline and unwavering commitment of the Indian Army.
Under Operation Sindoor, India carried out precision strikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir early on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Pakistani attempts were strongly responded to by the Indian side.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on May 10 announced that India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, with immediate effect.
