Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir: Lieutenant General, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Northern Command Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, visited forward areas of Poonch sector and the headquarters of Romeo Force to personally assess the prevailing security situation and the progress of ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
During the high-level visit, Lt Gen Sharma was comprehensively briefed by field commanders on multiple operational aspects. These included sustained area domination activities across the challenging Pir Panjal Range, the effectiveness of the existing intelligence network, and seamless coordination among various security agencies operating in the region. Officials highlighted the proactive measures being undertaken to maintain pressure on residual terrorist elements and prevent infiltration attempts along the Line of Control.
A significant focus of the review was the security arrangements put in place by Rashtriya Rifles battalions to ensure the safe annual migration of Gujjar-Bakarwal nomadic communities. These pastoral groups undertake seasonal movement with their livestock through the difficult high-altitude terrain, making them potentially vulnerable to militant threats. The Army has deployed dedicated resources to provide protection and facilitate their traditional migration routes without disruption.
Lt Gen Sharma interacted extensively with troops deployed in the forward areas, acknowledging their high standards of professionalism and operational readiness. He commended the soldiers for maintaining resolute domination of the sector despite the formidable challenges posed by rugged mountainous terrain and harsh weather conditions.
Sources indicated that the visit underscores the Indian Army’s continued commitment to proactive counter-terrorism posture in the sensitive Jammu and Kashmir region. Such ground-level assessments enable senior leadership to fine-tune operational strategies, enhance inter-agency synergy, and boost the morale of frontline personnel who operate in some of the most demanding environments.
The Northern Command remains pivotal in safeguarding India’s northern frontiers, with a strong emphasis on intelligence-driven operations, community engagement, and maintaining peace along the volatile borders. This latest review is expected to further strengthen the security grid in the Poonch- Rajouri belt, a region that has witnessed targeted anti-terror actions in recent years.
Defence Chronicle will continue to monitor developments in operational preparedness across India’s northern frontiers.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
