Lieutenant General PK Mishra, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps, visited Dharmund Garrison on Thursday to assess the operational preparedness and ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Chenab Valley, a region that has witnessed a surge in terror-related incidents over the past two years.
During his visit, Lt Gen Mishra commended the troops for their unwavering resolve and professionalism in the fight against terrorism. He lauded their tireless efforts, emphasizing the critical role they play in safeguarding the region. The GOC also took the opportunity to interact with ex-servicemen, acknowledging their continued dedication to nation-building and their contributions to strengthening community resilience.
The White Knight Corps, also known as XVI Corps, is headquartered in Nagrota and oversees some of the most strategic and sensitive areas in Jammu and Kashmir, including Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, and Kishtwar. These districts have been focal points of anti-terror operations, with recent incidents highlighting the persistent threat of terrorism in the region. Just months ago, in August 2024, Captain Singh of the Indian Army succumbed to injuries sustained during an operation in Doda, marking the fourth encounter in the Udhampuri-Doda-Kishtwar region in a short span. Additionally, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) was killed in an anti-terror operation in Kishtwar in November 2024, further underscoring the challenges faced by security forces.
Lt Gen Mishra, who assumed command of the White Knight Corps on April 1, 2025, succeeding Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva, has prioritized operational excellence and fostering peace in the region. His visit to Dharmund Garrison comes at a time when the Indian Army is intensifying efforts to curb terrorist activities, including training Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in border areas to bolster anti-infiltration measures. The Chenab Brigade, under the White Knight Corps, has been actively involved in such initiatives, with a recent training program for VDGs launched in January 2025 in Jammu district.
The GOC’s engagement with ex-servicemen also reflects the Army’s strategy to strengthen community ties and leverage local support in counter-terrorism efforts. This approach aligns with the broader vision of enhancing the Army’s operational capabilities while maintaining a strong bond with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as emphasized by Lt Gen Sachdeva during his tenure.
The Indian Army continues to face challenges in the region, with allegations of civilian mistreatment during operations in Kishtwar in November 2024 currently under investigation. Despite these hurdles, the White Knight Corps remains steadfast in its mission to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of the region’s residents.
The visit to Dharmund Garrison is a testament to the Indian Army’s proactive stance in addressing security threats and fostering peace in Jammu and Kashmir, even as external forces continue to fuel residual terrorism in the area.
