Army Chief meets jawans, other ranks on LoC

Srinagar: Chief of the Army Staff, General V K Singh today met jawans and other ranks on the Line of Control (LoC) this afternoon after completing his two-day visit to Kashmir valley.To further boost the morale of the troops, guarding the border, General Singh met jawans and other ranks in the frontier district of Kupwara and Bandipora, official sources said.The Army Chief interacted with jawans, who are always alert to foil any infiltration bid from across the border, braving the chill and other odds in the snow-bound areas, which remained cut-off from rest of the state since December last year.General Singh was informed about the measures taken by the troops to thwart any infiltration bid from across the border by militants as the snow has started melting on the routes which were being used to sneak into this side. He was informed about the presence of militants across the LoC in launching pads, waiting for an opportunity to sneak into this side, this summer. The field commanders informed the General about the measures taken, including intensifying night and foot patrolling all along the LoC to meet any such challenge. Yesterday he visited forward areas in Uri sector where he was briefed by the field commander about the overall situation. General Singh, arrived here yesterday and was accompanied by Ms Bharti Singh, president Central Family Welfare (CFW) organisation. He left the Valley this afternoon from Badami Bagh cantonment where he was seen by Lt General K T Parnaik, Army Commander, Northern Command and Lt General S A Hasnain, Corps Commander, Chinar Corps. General Singh reviewed operational preparedness in the Valley in view of changing environment and security scenario yesterday. He was updated about the overall security situation in the valley by the senior Army commanders. He was also informed about the measures taken to meet the challenge of militants active within the Valley and some border areas in Jammu region.