Lieutenant General BS Raju today handed over the command of the strategic Kashmir – based 15 Corps to Lt Gen DP Pandey on Wednesday.
In a statement, the General commanded the Corps in critical phase in 2020 where Kashmir was confronted with the twin challenges of militancy and COVID-19.
“Lt Gen Raju’s tenure over the last one year is defined by an improved security environment prevailing both on the Line of Control and in Kashmir. With the civil administration and security forces synergising their efforts to bring normalcy back to Kashmir, militancy is on decline with assessed residual militant numbers being the lowest in a decade,” the statement said.
On the Line of Control, his approach combined a forward heavy deployment enabled by a dense electronic and surveillance grid. Pakistani cease fire violations were dealt punitive responses resulting in operational ascendancy by the Indian Army, the statement said.
To complement relentless and successful counter- militant operations, Lt Gen Raju ensured an improved Soldier-Citizen connect. This effort included many successful events all over the Kashmir Valley, co-opting the Awaam in various sports, culture, arts, education, skilling and health initiatives. The Army effectively used its deployment grid, especially in far-flung areas to be the first respondent in case of need. Grassroot interactions such as intra-dialogue within the youth and ‘Day with Company Commander’ received overwhelming response, the statement said.
In his farewell message, Gen Raju complimented all ranks of Chinar Corps for their dedication and hard work, he also thanked JKP, CAPFs, Civil administration and the Awaam for their relentless support in the joint efforts towards peace and prosperity in Jammu Kashmir. He conveyed his greetings and best wishes to the Awaam of Kashmir and the entire Chinar Corps fraternity—(KNO).