Army Chief reviews security situation, urges Kashmiri 'awaam' to maintain peace

Srinagar, July 20 (ANI): Expressing his grief and concern over the casualties of civilians and security forces during the recent protests in Kashmir Valley, Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir Singh on Wednesday made an "earnest" appeal to the 'awaam' to maintain peace and help the men in inform serve them better and exhorted everyone to ensure strict vigil along the Line of Control (LoC). The Army Chief, who was reviewing the security situation in Kashmir during his visit to the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, impressed upon everyone to continue their positive engagement with the 'awaam' and lend them all possible assistance in close coordination with the other stakeholders. Appreciating the synergy being shown among all security agencies that has resulted in successful counter-terrorist operations, he also "complimented the troops on ground for showing maximum restraint even in the face of grave provocation". In his interaction with the officers and troops, the Army Chief commended their operational preparedness and commitment to the cause of national security. Earlier, the Army Chief was briefed by Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda and Chinar Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Satish Dua on the situation along the LoC and the hinterland, including the measures instituted to ensure close coordination with all security and other government agencies towards maintaining peace in the Valley. The Army Chief, accompanied by the Northern Army and Chinar Corps Commanders, also visited the Kupwara Division and Awantipur-based Victor Force, where he was briefed on the operational preparedness as also the initiatives taken by the army in collaboration with the civil administration to alleviate hardships being faced by people due to the prevailing unrest. He also met with Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police K. Rajendra Kumar and was reassured about the excellent synergy between the army, police, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and intelligence agencies. (ANI)