Ahead of Amarnath Yatra, Army chief reviews security along LoC in Kashmir

June 23 (AZINS) Ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Bipin Rawat reviewed the prevailing security situation along the Line of Control (LOC) and in the hinterland in the Kashmir valley.

General Rawat arrived in the Kashmir Valley on Satruday to review the prevailing security situation along the Line of Control and in the hinterland.

Accompanied by the Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh and the Chinar Corps Commander Lieutenant General AK Bhatt, the Army Chief visited forward posts along the Line of Control in the frontier districts of Kupwara and Baramulla where he was briefed on all aspects of operational and logistical preparedness.

"The Army Chief was appreciative of the measures and Standard Operating Procedures instituted by the units and formations to meet the challenges posed by the inimical elements," said Colonel Rajesh Kalia, defence spokesman at Srinagar.

Commending the performance of the troops in the recent successful operations, the Army Chief stressed the need to maintain the extra vigil to defeat the evil designs of hostile forces and assured his full support to further strengthen the security posture.

Later General Rawat met Governor NN Vohra at the Raj Bhavan on Saturday evening. During their extended discussions Governor and Army Chief discussed issues relating to the external security environment, challenges of counter terrorist operations in the hinterland and the arrangements which have been put on the ground for the safe conduct of forthcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra.

This year the annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine will start on Jyestha Purnima that falls on June 28. The 60 days pilgrimage will conclude on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) that falls on August 26. 

More than 24000 troops of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police are being deployed for the Amaranth yatra this year. Official figures reveal 213 companies of CAPF will be deployed this year against 181 companies in 2017.

Later Governor and Army Chief also discussed the varied steps required to be taken for assuring a stable and bright future for the youth of the State.