Indian Army Chief to visit Jammu amid escalating threats

Amid on going situation in Poonch-Rajouri sector, India’s Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, is slated to visit Jammu on Monday to assess the situation and explore strategies for fortifying the counter-terrorism grid, according to defense sources.
The impending visit follows a tragic terrorist attack a few days ago in the Rajouri sector, where four troops lost their lives in action during an assault on a convoy near Thanandi.
During his visit to Jammu, General Pande is expected to engage in discussions concerning recent and ongoing counter-terrorist operations. The agenda will also encompass deliberations on the casualties suffered in the recent wave of terrorist attacks, as the security forces grapple with an increasingly complex and volatile situation.
The 16 Corps, responsible for the Poonch-Rajouri sectors, is undergoing a routine change in command, with Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain handing over the reins to Lieutenant General Naveen Sachdev.
The Army Headquarters is closely monitoring the situation, with a keen focus on operations in the area. The Army is anticipated to make strategic decisions, including the assignment of officers experienced in handling situations where multiple attacks on troops have occurred.
The region, particularly the 13 Sector Rashtriya Rifles area, has witnessed two to three major attacks recently, prompting the possibility of a change in command.
High-level defense ministry functionaries are also expected to visit this week to receive briefings on the ground situation and the measures being taken to address the surge in activities by Pakistani terrorists in the area.
Simultaneously, the Indian Army is intensifying its preparedness along the Line of Control and the International Border to counter infiltration attempts by terrorists from across the border. The upcoming visit and strategic discussions underscore the nation’s commitment to thwarting threats and ensuring the security and integrity of the region.