Lieutenant General P. K. Mishra, General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps (XVI Corps), conducted a comprehensive review of operational preparedness during his visit to forward brigades along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. This was his first extensive visit to the forward areas since taking over as Corps Commander on April 1, 2025.
Accompanied by senior commanders from the Ace of Spades and Crossed Swords Divisions, Lt Gen Mishra assessed the ground situation and received detailed briefings on the current threat landscape, response mechanisms, and the status of force deployments. The visit aimed to ensure continued dominance over the operational environment and reinforce combat readiness across critical sectors.
The White Knight Corps, headquartered at Nagrota, is responsible for defending the sensitive stretch of the LoC from Akhnoor to Poonch and managing internal security in the hinterland. Its area of responsibility includes frequent flashpoints and demands sustained vigilance due to persistent infiltration threats and cross-border hostilities.
Lt Gen Mishra interacted with troops across ranks, commending their professionalism and encouraging them to remain resolute and alert. He emphasized maintaining high morale and combat efficiency amid evolving challenges. The visit reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to strengthening its defensive posture in one of the country’s most strategically significant regions.
Military analysts point out that such high-level reviews align with modern operational doctrines. A 2023 RAND Corporation study underlined the importance of routine assessments in contested zones to ensure effective deterrence and control.
There has also been growing debate among defense observers about operational camouflage, particularly the use of distinctive red collar tabs on Army uniforms in high-visibility terrains. A 2021 Journal of Defense Studies article had recommended reevaluating such insignias to enhance concealment in forested and mountainous regions, like those along the LoC.
The White Knight Corps continues to play a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability along the border, with operational control over key counter-insurgency units such as the Delta Force and Romeo Force of the Rashtriya Rifles.
