Gen Rawat, CDS reviewed security and operational preparedness in Rajouri-Poonch sector

SHYAM SOOD
Rajouri July 15 :-‘Chief of Defence Staff today paid a straight visit to Rajouri-Poonch districts in the wake of fresh infiltration attempts, stray incidents of violation of the February 25 ceasefire, drones being used to drop weapons and the latest developments in Afganistan and Pakistan etc.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat reportedly visited the forward areas and also held meetings with the local Commanders to take stock of the Army’s operational preparedness and the security situation.
If sources are to be believed, Pakistan army has got vacated some areas of civil population across LoC and has been holding training sessions for the soldiers.
On the intervening night of June 29 & 30 a group of three terrorists had entered the Indian side in Dadal area in Sunderbani sector and were killed on July 8.
Pakistan, like in the past, after an important development once again trying to derail the February 25 ceasefire in the aftermath of a surprise meeting on June 24 between Prime Minister and political parties’ leaders (especially Gupkar group).
Pakistan is also under tremendous pressure under international isolation, economic hardship, and internal security challenges and may go for any misadventure on the LoC.
On the other hand, Afghanistan’s falling under Taliban rule, likely to have an impact on the J&K situation as experts feel now.
The drone attack in Jammu is a wake-up call and it could be the reason that both Chief of Defence Staff and Army Chief paid visits to the Line of Control and International border respectively today to take stock of the Army’s operational preparedness and the security situation.
“General Bipin Rawat, CDS visited Rajouri-Poonch sector along Line of Control and reviewed the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness” said a Tweet of the Indian Army. In another tweet, the Army said: “General MM Naravane, COAS is on a one day visit to Jaisalmer and Pokhran Field Firing Range (PFFR) today. The COAS witnessed firing of various artillery guns to include Sharang, ULH, Bofors, and Dhanush at PFFR”.