Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, Army Commander of the Western Command, conducted a comprehensive review of the operational preparedness of the Rising Star Corps during a visit to the forward areas of Bani-Machhedi in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir. The visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining security and readiness in a region that has seen heightened tensions due to recent terrorist activities.
During his visit, Lt Gen Katiyar commended the troops for their unwavering steadfastness and exceptional professionalism in ensuring the security of the area. The Bani-Machhedi sector, located near the Line of Control (LoC), has been a focal point for counter-terrorism operations, particularly following a deadly ambush in July 2024, where five army personnel were killed by the Jaish-e-Mohammad-linked shadow group, Kashmir Tigers. The attack, which took place in the Machedi area of Kathua district, highlighted the persistent threat posed by Pakistan-based terrorist outfits operating through proxy groups in the region.
The review also included a visit to the Veer Smriti war memorial in Chandimandir, where Lt Gen Katiyar paid his respects to fallen soldiers, a gesture in line with his tradition of honoring the sacrifices of the armed forces. The Western Command has been actively engaged in maintaining high standards of operational readiness, with the Rising Star Corps playing a pivotal role in joint operations alongside the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, and other security forces to counter insurgency and terrorism in the region.
This visit comes amid ongoing efforts under Operation Rakshak, a long-standing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operation initiated in 1990, aimed at restoring peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army continues to work in tandem with other security forces to address the challenges posed by militancy, particularly in the wake of recent attacks that have targeted both military personnel and civilians in the region.
