Hails security forces for peaceful atmosphere, cancels Drass visit due to bad weather
Srinagar: President Ram Nath Kovind Monday chaired a high level unified high command at Rajbhawan, Srinagar where top officials of the security grid participated. The president Kovind expressed his satisfaction over the peaceful situation prevailing in Kashmir and stressed on maintaining close relations with the general public.
A senior officer privy to the meeting said that top officials including DGP Dilbagh Singh, GoC 15 Corps DP Pandey, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar, Chief Secretary J&K, IGPs of BSF and CRPF were present. The meeting was co-chaired by J&K LG Manoj Sinha. Pertinently, the President of India is also the commander-in-chief of armed forces.
“President was briefed about the security situation post abrogation of article 370, anti-militancy operations, and infiltration status,” the officer said, adding that the presentation was given through a power-point presentation.
Sources said the President praised security forces including police and the army for maintaining synergy, coordination and dealing in a professional manner with the security situation of Kashmir and bringing peace in the region.
President Kovind, sources said, praised security forces for creating a peaceful atmosphere in Kashmir over the past few years. Sources said that President Kovid stressed on maintaining close relations with the general public and putting in best efforts to mitigate the sufferings of people.
“President expressed his gratitude to the army for plugging the infiltration at the LoC stating that the ceasefire pact renewed in February this year should be respected, however, there should be no lowering of guard,” sources said. “The president told the meeting that any misadventure at the LoC should be given a befitting reply.”
Meanwhile, President Kovind visited Baramulla on the 22nd Kargil Vijay Diwas where he paid homage to all those who lost their lives in the Kargil war.
He was accompanied by the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha and Lieutenant General DP Pandey, General Officer Commanding Chinar Corps.
He paid homage to the indomitable courage and sacrifice of the Armed forces personnel during the Kargil conflict in 1999 by laying a wreath at the Dagger War Memorial in Baramulla during a solemn ceremony.
He was received by Major General Virendra Vats, General Officer Commanding Baramulla Division and was briefed about the town’s history, highlighting the contribution of the town in various operations post-independence.
He interacted with the soldiers of Baramulla Division and wished them luck in all future endeavours.
After visiting Baramulla, the President proceeded to Gulmarg and visited the High Altitude Warfare School. He was briefed on the various facets of training there.
Kovind paid homage to the Indian armed forces at Baramulla after he could not make it to Dras War Memorial as planned earlier due to bad weather.
This is not the first time bad weather has prevented the President from visiting Dras.
In 2019 also bad weather prevented the President from visiting Dras to participate in the Kargil Vijay Diwas. He instead paid tribute by laying a wreath at a war memorial at the Army’s 15 Corps headquarters in Badamibagh in Srinagar.
The President flew to Srinagar on Sunday for a four-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. (KNO/IANS)
