In a morale-boosting visit to forward positions in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi praised the Indian Army troops for their exemplary performance during Operation Sindoor, a major counter-terror strike launched earlier this month. The General visited the Dagger Division under the Chinar Corps and interacted with soldiers stationed along the Line of Control (LoC), commending their courage and vigilance during high-intensity military operations.
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was a precision military offensive targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK). It was initiated in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the death of 26 civilians. The Indian Army’s strikes successfully dismantled nine terror facilities linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, significantly weakening militant infrastructure across the border.
During his visit, General Dwivedi acknowledged the troops’ dedication in both combat and humanitarian roles, highlighting the Dagger Division’s support to civilians affected by retaliatory Pakistani shelling. Since the strikes, continuous cross-border firing has led to the deaths of 15 civilians and one soldier, while 59 others have been injured in districts such as Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor.
General Dwivedi emphasized the importance of sustained operational readiness, stating that the army must be prepared to respond with decisive force to any future provocations. He reiterated his directive granting full autonomy to local commanders along the western border to undertake countermeasures against ceasefire violations, especially after the brief May 10 understanding between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan showed signs of strain.
The Army Chief’s visit comes at a time of heightened alert along the LoC. Operation Sindoor has been hailed as a critical step in reinforcing India’s zero-tolerance stance toward terrorism, as reaffirmed by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. However, the aftermath of the strikes has led to severe escalation, including the evacuation of United Nations personnel from Poonch and the displacement of civilians from border villages.
General Dwivedi’s engagement with troops and review of the ground situation underscore the Indian Army’s commitment to both national security and civilian protection. With the situation along the LoC remaining tense, the Indian Army continues to maintain a high state of readiness, prepared to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and respond firmly to any cross-border threats.
