Army chief visit ‘Ground Zero’, asks field commanders to conduct Ops in most professional manner

 

Defence Minister to visit Jammu on tomorrow; internet remains suspended on third straight day in Poonch-Rajouri districts

 

Jammu, Dec 25  : Amid an ongoing operation to track down terrorists behind the Poonch-Rajouri attack that left four soldiers dead and two injured last week, Army Chief General Manoj Pande Monday visited the ground zero and exhorted the commanders to conduct the operations in the “most professional manner”.

As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the visit also comes in the backdrop of death of three civilians, who were allegedly picked up by the security forces for questioning after the terrorist attacked two Army vehicles on Thursday (December 21) at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Buffliaz in Poonch, were found dead near the attack site on December 23.

Officials said that the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) also asked the soldiers to remain resolute and steadfast against all challenges.

“General Manoj Pande COAS visited Poonch sector and was given an update on the prevalent security situation. COAS interacted with commanders on ground, exhorted them to conduct the operations in the most professional manner and remain resolute and steadfast against all challenges,” the army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army posted on X.

Jammu based Defence spokesman in Jammu said the army chief reached Jammu in the afternoon and immediately left for Rajouri-Poonch sector to review the operational preparedness and the prevailing security situation.

The officials said General Pande visited Dhera Ki Gali and reviewed the anti-terrorist operation going on in Surankote and nearby Rajouri district’s Thanamandi forest belt for the last five days to neutralise the terrorists behind the dastardly attack that left four soldiers dead.

The Army chief later flew to the 25 Infantry division headquarters in Rajouri and was briefed by the commanders on the ground about the overall security situation, they said.

Meanwhile, Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi visited Poonch sector and reviewed the reinforcements for operational excellence.

“Army commander presence in Poonch sector reinforces Indian Army’s commitment for operational excellence. He was briefed by the Commanders on the ongoing operations. He exhorted the formations to maintain highest professional standards and be prepared to meet the dynamic challenges,” spokesperson added.

Official’s sources said that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is slated to embark on a one-day visit to Jammu on December 27. The focal point of defence minister’s visit will be a series of engagements with top-ranking Army officers at 16 Corps, emphasizing strategic discussions on national security.

During his visit, Minister Singh, sources said, will extend his presence to the regions of Rajouri and Poonch, where he is scheduled to interact with both military personnel and local civilians. This affirms the Minister’s commitment to understanding the ground realities and fostering a direct connection with the forces and the public.

The itinerary also includes a pivotal security review meeting at Jammu Raj Bhawan, showcasing the Defence Minister’s keen interest in ensuring the continued vigilance and preparedness of the armed forces in the region.

Meanwhile, mobile internet services remained suspended in both Poonch and Rajouri districts for the third day on Monday as a precautionary measure to check rumour-mongering and prevent anyone from creating any law and order problem, the officials said. The services were suspended early Saturday following the killing of the three civilians.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday announced compensation and jobs to the families of the dead civilians and said the medico legal formalities were conducted and legal action in this matter has been initiated by the appropriate authority.

As per army sources, “Army has attached the Brigade Commander of the 13 Sector Rashtriya Rifles in a formal inquiry related to the death of 3 civilians who were taken in custody by Army troops for interrogation after an attack on Army convoy in which four soldiers were killed. The inquiry will also look into the recurrent loss of own troops in terrorist attacks in the area of responsibility of the officer in recent times”.

Army has ordered a thorough internal investigation into the deaths of the three civilians and said it is committed to extending full support and cooperation in the conduct of the investigation.

Army in a post on X on December 23, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army said, “Search operations by the security forces are continuing in the area of operations after the incident of 21 Dec 23. Reports have been received regarding three civilian deaths in the area. The matter is under investigation. Indian Army stands committed to extending full support and cooperation in the conduct of investigations.”—(KNO)