Jammu: Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command, on Friday said that the Indian Army is focused on breaking the cycle of violence and dismantling the terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, while also empowering youth and women in the region.
He further stated that the Indian Army upholds the principle of 'Service Before Self’ and is the key facilitator in nation-building by ensuring security along the borders, counter-terrorism operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, and aid to civil authorities.
Addressing a press conference in Udampur, he said, the Indian Army works for the progress of the country. The army remains on standby to help the people in every way possible through anti-terrorist operations, he added.
"Anti-terrorist operations and the anti-infiltration grid are being continuously strengthened in Jammu and Kashmir. We continuously make efforts to maintain peace in Jammu and Kashmir with the help of other security agencies and the general public," he said.
"Peace prevailed for a long time across Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar. However, over the past five years, 720 terrorists have been neutralised, reducing the number of active militants in Jammu and Kashmir to just 120-130. Recruitment has also come to a halt, with figures dropping to single digits, causing unrest among terrorist handlers," he pointed out.
"I want to assure you that the situation remains under control. We are conducting dynamic, multi-tier anti-terror operations, with enhanced security from the borders to the hinterlands. Additionally, new weapons and advanced technologies are being deployed to ensure terrorism is eradicated by all means," he said.
He said that the Indian Army is working with all the forces to maintain peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Police, paramilitary, along with other security agencies and VDG, are working together against terrorism, he added.
"The tension that had been building between India and China for some time has improved. And now efforts are being made to ensure that both armies peacefully protect their respective borders," he said.
"In addition to our role in the internal & external security of the nation, we are also focusing on carrying out development activities in the region. Operation Sadbhavana Projects are being undertaken to execute development activities in border / remote areas of the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. We are providing quality education to a large number of students from the Union Territories in the Army Goodwill Schools. Students are also being sponsored to study outside the Union Territories through Jammu & Kashmir Special Scholarship Scheme and Army Public School residential School programs which are being conducted by us," Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar said. "In the end, I would like to highlight the peace, prosperity and improved security situation in J-K due to concerted and synergised efforts of the Indian Army and all other agencies/stakeholders. Indian Army will forever strive to provide a secure environment to the people of Union Territories of J-K and Ladakh," Lt Gen Kumar said.
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