2018 was wonderful year for forces: Army Commander

Army commander, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh Thursday said that in terms of security 2018 was “wonderful year” for government forces in Kashmir.

“For armed forces, in terms of security, previous year remained a wonderful one. As per the record available with us, army along with other forces killed maximum number of militants in previous year as compared to last ten years,” Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, GoC-in-C Northern Command, told reporters on the sidelines of an inauguration ceremony for Kalai bridge in the frontier Poonch area.

   

During the year just gone by, several militants surrendered and many were captured, the army commander who heads the army’s northern command, who reviewed the security along the Line of Control in Poonch sector, said.

“In last year, we killed more than 250 militants, 54 militants were arrested alive and four militants surrendered,” Lt Gen Singh said.

“This clearly exhibits the capability of our security forces as our operations remained successful.”

Lt Gen Singh toured frontier areas along the LoC in Poonch where he was briefed by field commanders about the situation along the border.

The area has seen incidents of cross-border firing and shelling during the last three weeks, causing intermittent panic among some border residents. 

“Army commander complimented all ranks for their selfless devotion and high morale,” an army statement on Thursday said.

The top army commander said Pakistan has been carrying out “nefarious activities” along the Line of Control for several years with the aim of pushing militants across to Indian side and indulging in violations of a ceasefire agreement between the two countries.

“Through intercepts and reports of Pakistan, it comes to fore that heavy losses are inflicted to Pakistan and their militants by our army,” he said.

Responding to a question about reports of killing of five Pakistani army men recently by Indian soldiers along the LoC, the army commander said, “Indian army always gives befitting reply to any nefarious design of Pakistan.”

“I want to assure you that Indian army is one step ahead of Pakistan and strong and equal retaliation is made to any nefarious activity of Pakistan.”

Earlier, the army commander dedicated the Kalai bridge to the people. The bridge over Suran river connects Kalai area to Chandak in Poonch district.

The bridge is expected to reduce traffic congestion in the Poonch town and ease inconvenience to the people especially while moving towards Budha Amarnath Shrine in Mandi by considerably reducing travel time.

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