SRINAGAR: Army Chief General Bikram Singh, who arrived on a farewell visit to Kashmir on Saturday, asked soldiers and officers to respect human rights and avoid collateral damage during anti-militancy operations.
Army chief arrived in Srinagar today for a farewell visit to the strategically important 15 Corps, named Chinar Corps.
“For the army Chief this is like homecoming to the Valley as he has commanded the 15 Corps for a year from November 25, 2008 to November 30, 2009,” a defence spokesman said.
General Bikram Singh will be retiring on July 31 and Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag will take over reigns of Indian army.
During his day-long visit to Kashmir, army chief paid homage at War Memorial at Badamibagh Cantonment in Srinagar, headquarters of 15 Corps.
He interacted with top army officials and discussed the prevailing security situation with them. He was briefed about the measures taken to stop infiltration and ensure peace in the Valley.
Later, while addressing the men and officers, Army chief complimented 15 Corps for ensuring a secure environment in Jammu and Kashmir, which is battling militancy.
He emphasized on soldiers to uphold the law of land and respect human rights of the people.
“The men and officers should ensure that no collateral damage takes place during anti-militancy operations,” Singh said and stressed on synergized people-friendly operations.
He also highlighted initiatives being undertaken for capability augmentation of the armed forces and welfare measures.
Army chief along with Northern Command chief, Lt Gen D S Hooda and GoC 15 Corps Lt Gen Subrata Saha called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here and discussed matters relating to the prevailing security situation in the State.
The Army Generals briefed Omar about the functioning of the security grid besides issues related to it.
General Bikram Singh also met Governor N N Vohra at Raj Bhavan.
Governor complimented Singh and all officers and men of the Army for their exemplary devotion in enforcing a close and constant vigil along the two militarized frontiers of J&K, one of which is being perpetually transgressed.