Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, conducted a high-level review of the security situation and troop readiness in North and South Kashmir on Wednesday, as part of ongoing efforts under Operation SHIVA. The visit focused on ensuring robust security for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and evaluating the Army’s preparedness amid evolving regional threats.
Operation SHIVA, launched to secure the 38-day-long Amarnath Yatra that began on July 3, has mobilized over 42,000 personnel from the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Jammu & Kashmir Police. The annual pilgrimage to the 3,888-meter-high Amarnath cave shrine draws thousands of devotees and requires layered security, including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking, enhanced medical facilities, and rapid transport logistics.
Lt Gen Sharma, commissioned into the 2nd Battalion of the Madras Regiment in 1987, interacted with deployed troops, lauding their morale, discipline, and combat training. Acknowledging their contribution to peace in the region, he also awarded commendation cards and medals during his forward area visits. The engagements echoed historic traditions of strengthening troop cohesion, reminiscent of leadership initiatives during previous turbulent phases in the Valley.
Widely recognized for modernizing the Army’s information warfare doctrine, Lt Gen Sharma previously served as Director General of Information Warfare and has played a pivotal role in integrating cyber operations and psychological strategy into India’s military framework. His presence on the ground reflects the importance of a dynamic leadership approach in conflict-prone areas.
The visit comes in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, including tourists, and escalated tensions in the region. It also follows the brief but intense India–Pakistan conflict in May, which prompted Operation Sindoor and raised alert levels across forward areas. Although a ceasefire has held since May 10, the Army continues to maintain a high state of readiness.
The Northern Command’s sustained efforts to secure the region align with India’s broader strategic priorities in Jammu & Kashmir, a territory historically marred by cross-border terrorism, internal unrest, and unresolved territorial disputes. As Operation SHIVA progresses, the Army remains focused on preserving peace and ensuring the uninterrupted conduct of the Yatra, while adapting to the complex and shifting dynamics of modern warfare.
