In a major review of operational preparedness in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Command, visited the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) Regimental Centre and a Territorial Army Battalion in Srinagar on Thursday. The visit focused on training, logistics, and readiness for modern, multi-domain operations.
Focus on Training and Agniveers
At the JAK LI Regimental Centre, Lt Gen Sharma inspected training facilities and interacted with Agniveers—recruits under the Agnipath scheme—alongside trainers and personnel from the Bhairav Battalion. He praised the dedication of the recruits and emphasized the importance of adapting to evolving warfare requirements.
The Army Commander also assessed the Territorial Army Battalion’s logistic systems, automated processes, and capacity to respond to emerging threats, including cyber, space, and information warfare.
Leadership and Legacy
Lt Gen Sharma, who took charge of the Northern Command on November 1, 2024, previously served as Director General Military Operations and Director General of Information Warfare at Army Headquarters in New Delhi. His extensive operational background underscores the importance of his first-hand review of critical training centres in the Valley.
Upcoming Recruitment Drive
The visit coincides with preparations for the upcoming Unit Headquarters Quota (UHQ) Rally Bharti 2025, scheduled between August 29 and September 5 at the JAK LI Regimental Centre. The rally will provide special entry opportunities for dependents of Army personnel and talented sportspersons.
Army’s Agnipath Initiative
The Agnipath scheme, launched in 2022, has already inducted over 46,000 Agniveers by 2024, significantly lowering the average age profile of the force. With training cycles ranging from 10 to 24 weeks, the scheme is designed to enhance operational agility and better equip units for future warfare.
Commitment to Readiness
In his address to officers and troops, Lt Gen Sharma commended their professionalism and reiterated the Northern Command’s resolve to maintain combat readiness in the strategically sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir. He urged all ranks to continue striving for excellence in operational and administrative domains.
