Lt Gen Pratik Sharma Conducts Strategic Review of Counter-Insurgency Operations Along Pir Panjal Range
On July 11, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, conducted a comprehensive review of counter-insurgency and counter-infiltration operations along the Pir Panjal Range. This visit to forward posts was intended to assess the current security posture and strengthen operational strategies in the strategically significant area of Jammu and Kashmir.
During his visit, Lt Gen Sharma examined troop deployments and engaged with personnel stationed on the front lines. He highlighted the importance of maintaining an aggressive approach, continuous surveillance, and constant operational readiness. His directives aimed to enhance coordination and responsiveness at the grassroots level, amid growing security concerns, reflecting the Army's dedication to controlling infiltration-prone corridors.
The Pir Panjal Range, an integral part of the Lesser Himalayas, is a crucial frontier due to its geographical and military importance. The region contains the historic Haji Pir Pass, which has been central to major military conflicts in 1948 and 1965. Although currently under Pakistani control, its closeness to key infiltration routes requires a strong and persistent security presence.
Lt Gen Sharma, who was commissioned into the Madras Regiment in 1987, brings with him over 37 years of experience in various operational, strategic, and technological fields. His previous roles, including Director General of Military Operations and Director General of Information Warfare, showcase his proficiency in integrating cyber capabilities and psychological operations into the traditional counter-insurgency framework.
Following the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019, the Indian Army has maintained a proactive stance to counter threats and stop cross-border infiltration. Under Lt Gen Sharma's leadership, there has been a shift towards integrating intelligence, surveillance, and rapid-response systems. Military research indicates that bolstered leadership and continuous monitoring can enhance the effectiveness of counter-insurgency operations by up to 30 percent.
The Northern Command remains vital to India’s defense strategy, and Lt Gen Sharma's recent visit emphasizes its commitment to protecting territorial integrity and ensuring long-term stability in the Pir Panjal region.
