Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, conducted an in-depth review of the security situation in North Kashmir on June 11, 2025. The visit marked one of his key field engagements since assuming charge in April 2025, following a distinguished career that includes serving as Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy). During the visit, he toured formations and units of the Counter Insurgency Force (Kilo), assessing ongoing operations and preparedness in one of the most sensitive regions along the Line of Control.
The General reviewed the progress of Operation All-Out, a comprehensive multi-agency initiative that was launched in response to the 2016 unrest following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. The operation has led to the neutralization of over 60 militant hideouts and the seizure of a large cache of arms and ammunition. It has also marked a strategic evolution in counter-insurgency doctrine, emphasizing synergy between military action and civilian engagement.
Interacting with troops on the ground, Lt Gen Sharma lauded their dedication and sacrifices in preserving national integrity. He expressed appreciation for the tireless efforts of the units in combating both conventional and asymmetric threats. He also emphasized the importance of adapting to evolving security challenges while upholding the values and professionalism of the Indian Army.
Lt Gen Sharma also took stock of developmental and humanitarian initiatives under Operation Sadbhavana, the Army’s flagship outreach program in Jammu and Kashmir since 1998. These initiatives, which include healthcare camps, infrastructure support, model villages, and local youth engagement through sports events such as the Kashmir Premier League, have reportedly received widespread community support, with approval ratings reaching 70% in some areas.
The visit reaffirmed the Army’s dual focus on maintaining robust counter-insurgency capabilities and fostering local goodwill through development and confidence-building measures. Under Lt Gen Sharma’s leadership, the Northern Command is expected to reinforce these priorities in its mission to secure peace and stability in the region.
